Bible Verses

50+ Bible Verses About Self Care (And What They Mean)

Updated:
April 10, 2025
|
Author:
Joseph Cox

Self-care is more than just a buzzword; it's a necessity. This article brings together 50 Bible verses that highlight the importance of taking care of yourself.

These verses offer wisdom and encouragement, reminding us that self-care is not selfish but essential. Whether you're looking for comfort, guidance, or a gentle reminder to slow down, you'll find it here.

What Does the Bible Say About Self Care

Self-care is a vital part of our lives, and the Bible offers plenty of wisdom on this topic. The verses we've explored show that taking care of ourselves is not just about physical well-being but also about nurturing our minds and spirits. These teachings remind us that self-care is a holistic practice that involves rest, love, peace, strength, and wisdom.

Rest is a recurring theme in the Bible. Verses like Matthew 11:28 and Psalm 23:1-3 remind us that true rest comes from trusting in a higher power. It's about finding peace and relief from life's burdens, not just physical relaxation. Taking time to rest is essential for our overall well-being.

Love is another key aspect of self-care. Verses such as 1 John 4:7 and Mark 12:31 teach us that loving ourselves and others is intertwined. When we embrace love, we reflect the divine and create a world where everyone feels valued. Self-love enables us to extend kindness and compassion to those around us.

Peace is crucial for a balanced life. Philippians 4:7 and John 14:27 highlight that true peace comes from within and is a gift from God. This inner peace helps us stay grounded and resilient, even in challenging times. Seeking peace and pursuing it actively can transform our lives.

Strength and wisdom are also vital for self-care. Verses like Philippians 4:13 and James 1:5 show that divine strength and wisdom are always available to guide and uplift us. Trusting in these promises can bring clarity, hope, and resilience, helping us navigate life's ups and downs with confidence.

50 Bible Verses About Self Care

10 Bible Verses on Self Care and Rest

1) Matthew 11:28

Matthew 11:28

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Meaning: True rest isn't just about physical relaxation; it's about finding peace and relief from life's burdens. This verse invites us to seek solace and rejuvenation beyond the surface level.

2) Psalm 23:1-3

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.

Meaning: While the world often tells us to strive and hustle, this verse reminds us that true fulfillment comes from trusting in a higher power that guides and nurtures us. It's a comforting assurance that we are cared for and led to places of peace and restoration.

3) Exodus 33:14

My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.

Meaning: What if true rest isn't something we achieve on our own, but a gift we receive when we allow ourselves to be guided by a higher presence? This verse invites us to rethink how we find peace and comfort in our lives.

4) Mark 6:31

Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.

Meaning: You deserve a break. Just like a quiet beach or a serene forest, taking time for yourself can refresh your spirit and renew your energy.

5) Psalm 4:8

I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; For You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.

Meaning: Feeling secure and at peace can transform your nights. Trusting in a higher power allows you to rest easy, knowing you're protected and cared for.

6) 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.

Meaning: Ever wonder where true strength comes from? It's not about never feeling weak, but about finding renewal and resilience through faith, even when the world tells you to push through on your own.

7) Hebrews 4:9-10

There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His.

Meaning: Just like a calm lake reflects the sky, finding true rest means letting go of our endless striving and trusting in a higher peace. Carry this thought with you: sometimes, the most profound action is to simply be still.

8) Psalm 127:2

It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows; For so He gives His beloved sleep.

Meaning: Ever felt like you're running on empty, burning the candle at both ends? This verse gently reminds us that rest is a gift, not a luxury, and that we are deeply cared for even in our busiest moments.

9) Jeremiah 31:25

For I have satiated the weary soul, and I have replenished every sorrowful soul.

Meaning: Feeling drained and overwhelmed is part of the human experience, but there's a promise of renewal and comfort. This verse reassures us that even in our lowest moments, there is a source of strength and restoration available to us.

10) 1 Kings 19:4-8

But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he prayed that he might die, and said, "It is enough! Now, Lord, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers!" Then as he lay and slept under a broom tree, suddenly an angel touched him, and said to him, "Arise and eat." Then he looked, and there by his head was a cake baked on coals, and a jar of water. So he ate and drank, and lay down again. And the angel of the Lord came back the second time, and touched him, and said, "Arise and eat, because the journey is too great for you." So he arose, and ate and drank; and he went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights as far as Horeb, the mountain of God.

Meaning: We often push ourselves to the brink, feeling utterly spent and alone. Yet, there's a gentle reminder here that even in our darkest moments, we are not forgotten and help can come in unexpected ways.

10 Bible Verses on Self Care and Love

11) 1 John 4:7

1 John 4:7

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.

Meaning: Love is the thread that connects us all. When we embrace love, we reflect the divine and build a world where everyone feels seen and valued.

12) Mark 12:31

And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.

Meaning: At its core, this verse teaches us that self-love and love for others are intertwined. When we truly care for ourselves, we are better equipped to extend that same love and kindness to those around us.

13) 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Meaning: Love is an active force that shapes our actions and attitudes, guiding us to be patient, kind, and truthful. It calls us to rise above selfishness and negativity, embracing a higher standard of compassion and integrity.

14) Romans 13:10

Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

Meaning: Embrace the power of love in your daily interactions. By choosing kindness and compassion, you create a ripple effect that uplifts everyone around you.

15) John 15:12

This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.

Meaning: In moments of struggle, remember that love is a guiding light, offering comfort and connection even in the darkest times.

16) Ephesians 4:2

With all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love

Meaning: Embracing humility and patience allows us to truly connect with others, creating bonds that are both deep and enduring.

17) Colossians 3:14

But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.

Meaning: When life feels fragmented and chaotic, love is the glue that holds everything together, offering a sense of completeness and harmony.

18) 1 Peter 4:8

And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.”

Meaning: In the tapestry of life, love is the thread that mends and heals. Let it be a reminder that your kindness and compassion can bring light to even the darkest moments.

19) Galatians 5:14

For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."

Meaning: Take a moment to let this sink in: love is the essence of everything. When you genuinely care for others, you embody the highest principles and create a ripple effect of goodness.

20) Romans 12:9

Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.

Meaning: Genuine love transforms us, urging us to reject negativity and embrace what uplifts and inspires.

10 Bible Verses on Self Care and Peace

21) Philippians 4:7

Philippians 4:7

and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Meaning: In those moments when life feels overwhelming, remember that there's a peace available to you that goes beyond human comprehension. Let this assurance be your anchor, keeping you steady and resilient through any storm.

22) John 14:27

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Meaning: Sometimes, we get so caught up in the chaos around us that we forget there's a deeper peace available. It's a gentle reminder that true calm comes from within, not from external circumstances.

23) Colossians 3:15

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.

Meaning: Ever notice how true peace isn't just a fleeting feeling but a guiding force? When you let it take the lead, it transforms your entire outlook, grounding you in gratitude and unity.

24) Isaiah 26:3

You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.

Meaning: God's promise of peace is unwavering and timeless. Trusting in Him brings a profound sense of calm that transcends any era or circumstance.

25) Psalm 29:11

The Lord will give strength to His people; The Lord will bless His people with peace.

Meaning: Ever felt like you needed a boost of strength and calm? Reflect on how this promise can be a source of encouragement and tranquility in your daily life.

26) Romans 15:13

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Meaning: There's a beautiful certainty in knowing that joy and peace are gifts from God, given to us through faith. Let this promise be a solid foundation, reminding you that hope is always within reach.

27) 2 Thessalonians 3:16

Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all.

Meaning: In a world often filled with chaos, this verse offers a refreshing shift in perspective. It reminds us that peace isn't just a fleeting feeling but a constant presence, available to us through a divine connection.

28) Psalm 34:14

Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it.

Meaning: In a world often filled with turmoil and negativity, this verse encourages us to actively choose goodness and peace. It's a reminder that even in the midst of chaos, we have the power to create a positive impact by our actions and intentions.

29) Proverbs 16:7

When a man's ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

Meaning: What if living in alignment with divine principles could transform even the most challenging relationships in your life? Embrace this foundational truth and see how it can bring unexpected harmony and peace.

30) Matthew 5:9

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

Meaning: Ever thought about how your efforts to create harmony can reflect a divine connection? Embrace the idea that your actions in fostering peace are deeply valued and recognized.

10 Bible Verses on Self Care and Strength

31) Philippians 4:13

Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Meaning: The word "strengthens" is like a lifeline in tough times. It's like having a friend who always has your back, giving you the courage to face any challenge head-on.

32) Isaiah 41:10

Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

Meaning: In the midst of life's storms, remember that you are never alone. God's unwavering presence and strength are your anchors, offering peace and assurance no matter what challenges you face.

33) Nehemiah 8:10

Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.

Meaning: There's a profound hope in knowing that true strength comes from joy, not from worldly achievements or status. While society often equates power with pride and self-reliance, this verse invites us to find our resilience in a divine joy that transcends circumstances.

34) Psalm 46:1

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Meaning: When life feels overwhelming, remember you have a constant source of support and strength. Let this truth be your anchor today, offering peace and resilience in every situation.

35) 2 Timothy 1:7

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

Meaning: The certainty of this promise is like a warm embrace, reminding us that we are equipped with strength, love, and clarity. Its poetic beauty lies in the assurance that we are inherently empowered and cherished.

36) Joshua 1:9

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Meaning: Life's journey is filled with ups and downs, but the assurance of divine presence offers unwavering support. Remember, you're never walking alone.

37) Ephesians 6:10

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.

Meaning: Strength isn't just about physical power; it's about finding resilience and courage through faith. Let this verse inspire you to lean on divine strength in every challenge you face.

38) Psalm 28:7

The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, And with my song I will praise Him.

Meaning: There's a profound comfort in knowing that divine strength and protection are always available. Let this truth fill your heart with joy and gratitude, reminding you that you are never alone.

39) Isaiah 40:29

He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength.

Meaning: God's generosity and compassion shine through, offering strength and support when we feel most vulnerable. It's a beautiful reminder of His unwavering presence and care in our lives.

40) Habakkuk 3:19

The Lord God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, And He will make me walk on my high hills.

Meaning: In times of uncertainty, this verse serves as a steadfast reminder that you are equipped to rise above challenges. It encourages you to look beyond your current struggles, knowing that greater heights await.

10 Bible Verses on Self Care and Wisdom

41) James 1:5

James 1:5

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

Meaning: The beauty of this promise is that divine wisdom is always within reach, ready to guide and uplift us in every situation. Embrace this truth and let it bring clarity and hope to your life.

42) Proverbs 2:6

For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.

Meaning: In our quest for understanding, it's comforting to know that divine wisdom is generously available to us. It's like a timeless piece of advice, reminding us that true insight comes from a higher source.

43) Colossians 1:9

For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding

Meaning: There's a comforting assurance in knowing that divine wisdom and understanding are always available to guide you. Trust in this promise and let it be a source of strength and clarity in your life.

44) Proverbs 3:13

Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding

Meaning: Ever felt that moment of clarity when everything just clicks? That's the joy and fulfillment that wisdom brings into your life, making every challenge seem a bit more manageable.

45) Ecclesiastes 7:12

For wisdom is a defense as money is a defense, but the excellence of knowledge is that wisdom gives life to those who have it.

Meaning: The timeless truth here is that wisdom offers a unique kind of protection and vitality. Embrace this wisdom and let it enrich your life in ways that go beyond material security.

46) Proverbs 4:7

Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.

Meaning: Faith brings a sense of security, knowing that divine wisdom is a guiding light in our lives. Trust in this promise and feel reassured by God's unwavering presence and guidance.

47) Daniel 2:21

And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.

Meaning: God's presence is a constant, guiding force in our lives. This verse encourages us to embrace humility and trust in His wisdom, reminding us that true understanding comes from a higher source.

48) Psalm 111:10

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever.

Meaning: There's a profound joy in knowing that true wisdom starts with reverence and respect. Embrace this beautiful truth and let it guide your actions and decisions, bringing clarity and purpose to your life.

49) Proverbs 19:20

Listen to counsel and receive instruction, that you may be wise in your latter days.

Meaning: Embrace the wisdom that comes from being open to advice and learning. It's a reminder that growth and understanding are lifelong journeys, and taking action on this can lead to a more fulfilling life.

50) James 3:17

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.

Meaning: Ever feel overwhelmed by life's complexities? This verse reassures you that true wisdom brings clarity, peace, and kindness, guiding you through even the toughest moments.

How to Apply These Bible Verses About Self Care

Applying these Bible teachings to your daily life can bring a sense of peace, strength, and purpose. It's not just about reading the verses but living them out in practical ways.

  • Start your day with prayer: Begin each morning by asking for guidance and strength. A simple prayer can set a positive tone for the day.
  • Practice gratitude: Take a moment each day to reflect on what you're thankful for. This can help you focus on the positive aspects of your life.
  • Take breaks: Schedule short breaks throughout your day to rest and recharge. Even a few minutes of quiet can make a big difference.
  • Show kindness: Make an effort to be kind to others. Small acts of kindness can create a ripple effect of positivity.
  • Join a community: Get involved in a local church or community group. Being part of a supportive community can provide encouragement and accountability.

Remember, God is always with you, offering strength and wisdom. Trust in His presence and let your faith guide you through life's challenges.

For more prayers and Bible verses, visit PrayersFor or try our Bible Verse Generator to deepen your understanding and faith.

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