But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. – Job 12:7-8
bible verses about wildlife
God’s Creation of Wildlife
We often find joy in observing the intricate forms of life that God has created in the wild. Each creature, from the smallest insect to the largest mammal, serves a purpose in the cycle of life. In reflecting on God’s creation, we see His wisdom and creativity at work. The Bible reminds us that all creatures belong to the Lord, and they each reveal something about His character. We share this beautiful world with wildlife, and it is essential to appreciate and care for the diverse creations God has made.
Genesis 1:20-22
And God said, “Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the vault of the sky.” So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living thing with which the water teems, and that moves about in it, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. – Genesis 1:20-22
Psalms 104:24-25
How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom, you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number—living things, both large and small. – Psalms 104:24-25
Isaiah 43:20
The wild animals honor me, the jackals and the owls, because I provide water in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland, to give drink to my people, my chosen, – Isaiah 43:20
Matthew 6:26
Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? – Matthew 6:26
Psalms 50:10-11
For every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills. I know every bird in the mountains, and the insects in the fields are mine. – Psalms 50:10-11
Wildlife and Our Responsibility
As stewards of God’s creation, we hold a responsibility to care for wildlife and the habitats they dwell in. The Bible teaches us about stewardship, reminding us that we should protect and preserve not only the animals but also their environments. Our actions matter, and we are called to ensure that wildlife thrives as we take part in God’s mission to care for the earth. This fosters a relationship with nature that is built on respect and compassion, ultimately reflecting our gratitude to the Creator.
Genesis 2:15
The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. – Genesis 2:15
Proverbs 12:10
The righteous care for the needs of their animals, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel. – Proverbs 12:10
Leviticus 25:7
For the animals, too, the land must have a year of rest. – Leviticus 25:7
Psalms 145:9
The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made. – Psalms 145:9
Ecclesiastes 3:19-20
Surely the fate of human beings is like that of the animals; the same fate awaits them both: As one dies, so dies the other. All have the same breath; humans have no advantage over animals. Everything is meaningless. All go to the same place; all come from dust, and to dust all return. – Ecclesiastes 3:19-20
The Majesty of Wildlife
When we watch wildlife in their natural settings, we see the majesty of God mirrored in their behaviors and forms. There is something awe-inspiring about observing an eagle soar through the sky or a deer bounding through the woods. Each creature reflects the artistry and majesty of our Creator. We can learn valuable lessons from the wildlife around us, such as resilience, adaptability, and the art of living in the moment. The beauty of wildlife beckons us to appreciate God’s creation at a deeper level.
Psalms 8:4-5
What is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them? You have made them a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor. – Psalms 8:4-5
Job 39:19-20
Do you give the horse its strength or clothe its neck with a flowing mane? Do you make it leap like a locust, striking terror with its proud snorting? – Job 39:19-20
Psalms 148:7-10
Praise the Lord from the earth, you great sea creatures and all ocean depths, lightning and hail, snow and clouds, stormy winds that do his bidding, you mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars. – Psalms 148:7-10
Proverbs 30:24-25
Four things on earth are small, yet they are exceedingly wise: the ants are a people not strong, yet they provide their food in the summer. – Proverbs 30:24-25
Isaiah 11:6
The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them. – Isaiah 11:6
Wildlife as Symbols in Scripture
Throughout the Bible, various wildlife symbols help convey deeper spiritual truths. Be it the lion representing strength or the lamb symbolizing innocence, these creatures provide insights into our relationship with God and His ways. As we study these symbols, we can gain wisdom and understanding about life through God’s perspective. Recognizing these animals in scriptures enhances our appreciation of wildlife and its significance in God’s creation and plan for humanity.
John 1:29
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” – John 1:29
Proverbs 28:1
The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion. – Proverbs 28:1
Matthew 10:16
“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. – Matthew 10:16
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. – Isaiah 40:31
Revelation 5:5
Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.” – Revelation 5:5
Protecting Endangered Wildlife
Endangered species remind us of our important role in protecting God’s creation. It’s alarming to think that human actions may lead to the extinction of some animals. The Bible encourages us to act justly and protect what belongs to the Lord. As caretakers of this earth, it is our duty to advocate for wildlife conservation and spread awareness about protecting endangered species. By taking a stand, we honor God’s creation and recognize the value of each life.
Micah 6:8
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. – Micah 6:8
Psalms 37:29
The righteous will inherit the land and dwell in it forever. – Psalms 37:29
Proverbs 29:7
The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern. – Proverbs 29:7
Psalms 36:6
Your righteousness is like the highest mountains, your justice like the great deep. You, Lord, preserve both people and animals. – Psalms 36:6
Numbers 35:33
Do not pollute the land where you are. Bloodshed pollutes the land, and atonement cannot be made for the land on which blood has been shed, except by the blood of the one who shed it. – Numbers 35:33
Wildlife in Children’s Lives
Wildlife captivates the hearts of children, fostering curiosity and love for nature. As adults, we can share the beauty of wildlife with the younger generation. The Bible shows children that all living things are important and loved by God. Teaching children about wildlife from a young age instills a sense of responsibility in them to care for creation. It can also deepen their understanding of God’s wonder and push them to explore the world with admiration.
Proverbs 22:6
Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. – Proverbs 22:6
Matthew 18:3
And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 18:3
Mark 10:14
When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” – Mark 10:14
Psalms 78:4
We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done. – Psalms 78:4
Proverbs 1:8-9
Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. They are a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck. – Proverbs 1:8-9
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on the verses about wildlife, we find the beauty and intricacy of God’s creations all around us. From the smallest creatures to the majestic animals of the earth, we are reminded of our responsibility to protect and care for them. God’s word calls us to appreciate what He has made and to stand as stewards of His creation. We learn valuable life lessons from wildlife and can pass this passion to the younger generation.
Let us unite in our efforts to care for the natural world, remembering that every creature has its place in this divine design. By advocating for protection and preservation, we honor the Creator and ensure that future generations will witness the majesty of wildlife. May we embrace our role in caring for the earth with love and intentionality, as we seek to reflect God’s heart for all living things.
For more inspiring messages and resources, you might enjoy reading about livestock or exploring the beautiful lessons from the lilies of the field.