As Christians, we are called to seek God’s approval over the approval of others. While being kind and considerate is important, the Bible warns us against compromising our faith and values to please people. Here are Bible verses, that help guide us away from people-pleasing and toward seeking God’s will.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Loving Everyone
Fear of Man vs. Fear of God
When we focus on pleasing people, we often lose sight of what truly matters—pleasing God. The Bible encourages us to fear God above man, as His approval is eternal, while human approval is temporary.
Proverbs 29:25
“Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the Lord means safety.”
Galatians 1:10
“Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant.”
Isaiah 51:12
“I, yes I, am the one who comforts you. So why are you afraid of mere humans, who wither like the grass and disappear?”
Matthew 10:28
“Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”
Psalm 118:8
“It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in people.”
Seeking God’s Approval Above All
True freedom is found when we prioritize pleasing God over trying to please others. We are called to live for an audience of One—seeking His will and approval, not the fleeting praises of people.
Colossians 3:23
“Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.”
1 Thessalonians 2:4
“For we speak as messengers approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News. Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts.”
Romans 12:2
“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”
1 Corinthians 10:31
“So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
2 Corinthians 5:9
“So whether we are here in this body or away from this body, our goal is to please him.”
Avoiding the Snare of Flattery
Flattery can be a form of manipulation, used to gain favor from others. The Bible warns against relying on or using flattery, as it is not grounded in truth and can lead to compromise.
Proverbs 26:28
“A lying tongue hates its victims, and flattering words cause ruin.”
Psalm 12:3
“The Lord will cut off all flattering lips and the tongue that speaks proud things.”
Proverbs 29:5
“To flatter friends is to lay a trap for their feet.”
Jude 1:16
“These people are grumblers and complainers, living only to satisfy their desires. They brag loudly about themselves, and they flatter others to get what they want.”
Romans 16:18
“Such people are not serving Christ our Lord; they are serving their own personal interests. By smooth talk and glowing words, they deceive innocent people.”
Standing Firm in Your Faith
People-pleasing often requires us to compromise our values and convictions. The Bible encourages us to stand firm in our faith, even when it’s unpopular or difficult.
1 Corinthians 15:58
“So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.”
1 Peter 5:9
“Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.”
Ephesians 6:13
“Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.”
James 1:12
“God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”
Hebrews 10:23
“Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.”
Trusting in God’s Provision
People-pleasing often stems from fear—fear of rejection, criticism, or losing something. Trusting in God’s provision reminds us that He will supply all our needs, so we don’t need to rely on human approval.
Matthew 6:33
“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”
Philippians 4:19
“And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.”
Psalm 37:4
“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires.”
2 Corinthians 9:8
“And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.”
Matthew 7:7
“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.”
Avoiding Hypocrisy
People-pleasing can sometimes lead to hypocrisy—when we act one way in front of others but believe differently in our hearts. The Bible urges us to live authentically, honoring God in both our public and private lives.
Matthew 6:1
“Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 23:28
“Outwardly you look like righteous people, but inwardly your hearts are filled with hypocrisy and lawlessness.”
Luke 16:15
“Then he said to them, ‘You like to appear righteous in public, but God knows your hearts. What this world honors is detestable in the sight of God.'”
Galatians 2:13
“As a result, other Jewish believers followed Peter’s hypocrisy, and even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy.”
James 1:26
“If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless.”
Serving with a Pure Heart
When we serve others, it’s important to examine our motives. Are we serving to gain approval or recognition, or are we doing it out of love and obedience to God? The Bible calls us to serve with a pure heart, focused on God’s glory.
Matthew 6:3-4
“But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.”
1 Peter 4:10
“God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.”
Colossians 3:17
“And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.”
Matthew 5:16
“In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”
Hebrews 13:16
“And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.”
Pleasing God, Not People
Ultimately, our goal as Christians should be to please God, not people. The Bible encourages us to focus on pleasing our Heavenly Father in all that we do, trusting that His approval is all we truly need.
Galatians 1:10
“Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant.”
John 12:43
“For they loved human praise more than the praise of God.”
1 Thessalonians 4:1
“Finally, dear brothers and sisters, we urge you in the name of the Lord Jesus to live in a way that pleases God, as we have taught you.”
Ephesians 6:6
“Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching you. As slaves of Christ, do the will of God with all your heart.”
Hebrews 13:21
“May he equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him.”
Also Read: Bible Verses About Accepting Others
What Does the Bible Say About People Pleasing
People pleasing is something many people struggle with. It is when someone tries to make everyone happy by doing what others want, even if it goes against what they believe or feel inside. This can happen at work, at home, or with friends. While it may seem like a good thing to always want others to be happy, it can lead to problems, especially for Christians.
The Bible teaches that our first priority should be to please God, not people. When we put people’s opinions above God’s will, we start walking on dangerous ground. This doesn’t mean we should be rude or uncaring toward others, but our desire to please them should never come before our desire to obey God.
God wants us to love others, but love does not always mean doing whatever people want. Sometimes loving someone means saying “no” or standing firm in the truth, even if it upsets them. People pleasers often fear rejection or conflict, so they say “yes” when they should say “no” and go along with things that they know are wrong. This behavior may make people happy in the short term, but it can damage our relationship with God and lead to inner turmoil.
When we live to please others, we may find ourselves being dishonest. We may tell half-truths or hide our real thoughts and feelings to avoid making others angry or disappointed. This is not the way God wants us to live. He calls us to be truthful and live in a way that reflects His love and light. It’s important to remember that people’s opinions and approval will always change, but God’s love for us never changes. He accepts us as we are, and we do not need to earn His approval by doing what others think is right. Pleasing God should be our main goal because His approval is eternal.
Another problem with people pleasing is that it can make us tired and worn out. When we try to make everyone happy, we are constantly working and worrying. This can lead to stress, anxiety, and even depression. God wants us to rest in Him and trust that He will take care of us. When we live to please Him, we don’t have to carry the heavy burden of trying to make everyone happy.
Jesus is the best example of someone who lived to please God rather than people. He was kind, loving, and compassionate, but He did not change His message to make people happy. He stood firm in the truth, even when it made people angry. As followers of Christ, we are called to do the same. It can be hard, but God gives us the strength to stand firm in our faith.
In conclusion, people pleasing can lead us away from God’s plan for our lives. While it is good to care about others, our focus should always be on pleasing God first. When we do this, we can live with peace, knowing that we are following His will for our lives.