29 Timeless Bible Verses About Patience

What is patience? The dictionary defines it as “the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset.”

When we teach kids about patience it normally involves asking them to be still for a moment so we can focus on our task at hand. As adults, practicing patience can be more difficult than just sitting still.

For example, we are required to be patient for months or years as we wait our turn in line for a raise or promotion behind our coworkers. It means waiting until we have enough money saved up to buy new furniture, rather than putting it on credit card. We humbly accept this suffering without getting angry or upset.

Life as a responsible and patient adult can be frustrating sometimes. It can cause us to question why we put up with all this suffering without taking shortcuts to get what we want, like so many others do.

In order to avoid the temptation to take shortcuts, sometimes we need help from others to make it through these difficult times. That’s why I rounded up 29 of my favorite bible verses about patience to help you through any suffering you might be experiencing.

Romans 5:2-4

Through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.

1 Corinthians 13:4-5

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

Ephesians 4:2

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

Romans 12:12

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Galatians 6:9

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Romans 8:25

But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

2 Peter 3:9

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

Colossians 3:12

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Romans 15:5

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had.

1 Timothy 1:16

But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.

2 Peter 3:8

But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.

Matthew 24:42

Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.

James 5:8

You also must be patient. Keep your hopes high, for the day of the Lord’s coming

is near.

2 Chronicles 15:7

But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.

Galatians 6:9

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Isaiah 40:31

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Hebrew 10:36

You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.

Lamentations 3:25-26

The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.

James 5:8

You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.

Psalm 40:1

I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry.

John 13:7

Jesus replied, ‘You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Genesis 29:20

So Jacob served seven years to get Rachel, but they seemed like only a few days to him because of his love for her.

1 Samuel 13:13-14

“You have done a foolish thing,” Samuel said. “You have not kept the command the LORD your God gave you; if you had, he would have established your kingdom over Israel for all time. But now your kingdom will not endure; the LORD has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him ruler of his people, because you have not kept the LORD’s command.”

Romans 8:24-27

For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

2 Thessalonians 1:4-5

Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring. All this is evidence that God’s judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering.

Hebrews 11:13-16

All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth. People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.

Genesis 29:20

So Jacob served seven years to get Rachel, but they seemed like only a few days to him because of his love for her.

Psalm 75:2

You say, “I choose the appointed time; it is I who judge with equity.

Habakkuk 2:3

For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.

Revelation 6:9-11

When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained. They called out in a loud voice, “How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?” Then each of them was given a white robe, and they were told to wait a little longer, until the full number of their fellow servants, their brothers and sisters, were killed just as they had been.

Conclusion

There are many stories about patience in the bible. My hope is that these scriptures will inspire you to remain faithful to your values and be patient when times get tough.

It is difficult to accept suffering, let alone refrain from getting upset or angry in the process. But that is what makes patience such a special trait in God’s eyes.

To help me improve my patience I ask myself a simple question each week: how can I accept discomfort without getting upset? Then I brainstorm simple ways I can practice being patient. For example, last week I decided that when I’m feeling anxious I will take 3 deep breaths and smile. This is an easy exercise I encourage you to try as well when you are feeling impatient.

How do you practice patience in your daily life?

Are there any bible verses about patience that you enjoy that I should include in this list?

Either way let me know by leaving a comment below right now.