Bible Verses About Patience

Do you need help slowing down? Do you lack tolerance for life's delays? You've heard that patience is a virtue, but did you also know it's a fruit of the Spirit? Patience and forbearance mean withstanding something uncomfortable. Patience and self-control mean delaying immediate gratification. In both cases, the reward or resolution will come at the time determined by God, not by you.

This collection of Bible verses about patience is designed to focus your thoughts on God's Word as you learn to wait on the Lord.

God's Gift of Patience

Patience is a quality of God, and is given to the believer as a fruit of the Spirit.

Psalm 86:15

"But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness." (NIV)

Galatians 5:22–23

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."

1 Corinthians 13:4–8a

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails." (NIV)

Show Patience to All

People of every kind try your patience, from loved ones to strangers. These verses make it clear that you should be patient with everyone.

Colossians 3:12-13

"Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others." (NLT)

1 Thessalonians 5:14

"And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone." (NIV)

Patience When Angered

These verses say to avoid being angry or enraged and use patience when confronted by situations that might provoke you. 

Psalm 37:7-9

"Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes. Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper—it only leads to harm. For the wicked will be destroyed, but those who trust in the Lord will possess the land." (NLT)

Proverbs 15:18

"A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel." (NIV)

Romans 12:12

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." (NIV)

James 1:19-20

"My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires." (NIV)

Patience for the Long Haul

While it would be a relief that you could be patient in one situation and that would be all that is needed, the Bible shows that patience will be needed throughout life.

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." (NIV)

Hebrews 6:12

"We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised." (NIV)

Revelation 14:12

"This means that God’s holy people must endure persecution patiently, obeying his commands and maintaining their faith in Jesus." (NLT)

The Assured Rewards of Patience

Why should you practice patience? Because God is at work.

Psalm 40:1

"I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry." (NIV)

Romans 8:24-25

"We were given this hope when we were saved. If we already have something, we don’t need to hope for it. But if we look forward to something we don’t yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently." (NLT)

Romans 15:4-5

"For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus." (NKJV)

James 5:7-8

"Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near." (NIV)

Isaiah 40:31

"But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint." (NKJV)