What’s more important: self confidence or confidence in God? (Probably seems like a rhetorical question!)
If your son is struggling with low self-esteem, encourage him to read and memorize Bible verses that remind him that he is made in God’s image and that the power of God is working in his life to give him a strong heart, strong convictions, and strong faith.
Sometimes each of us needs to be reminded that if “anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation”. The old is gone–meaning that when we are washed by the blood of the Lamb, He no longer remembers our sins. He is making all things new and changing us day by day. This is where our true confidence is found!
God’s Word has plenty to say about how boys can find confidence according to the Bible. These powerful Bible verses are Scriptures that we’ve shared for years with our two sons who are now 18 and 13.
It’s so important to my husband and I that when our children experience a lack of confidence (which they inevitably will) that we point them to the word of God for the source of reassurance, confidence, and truth.
20 Bible Verses for Boys about Confidence
Ephesians 1:3-10 ESV
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as He chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love He predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of His glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In Him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which He lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which He set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in Him, things in heaven and things on earth.
We’re starting with a longer passage that puts the truths of all the verses together to show an overall picture of where our child’s confidence is made secure–through the life, death, and resurrection of Christ!
Paul explains in Ephesians that we are:
- Blessed with every spiritual blessing
- Chosen
- Holy and blameless
- Adopted by God
- Redeemed
- Forgiven
- Grace-filled
- Wise and insightful
- United with Christ
Philippians 1:6 ESV
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
With God’s help, your son can overcome any challenge he faces. The Lord will continue to work in his life through sanctification, making him holy and more conformed to God’s will.
Proverbs 14:26 ESV
In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge.
This Bible verse reminds boys that God is their hiding place (refuge). When they are in trouble, the Lord will shelter and protect them. This is similar to the promise in the next verse!
Proverbs 18:10
The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.
A strong tower was a central place in ancient cities where people could run when facing danger to find safety and protection. The buildings were known to be tall and indestructible. God keeps our boys safe because they belong to Him. Our son’s confidence is found not in his own strength, but in God’s strength.
Psalm 27:1 (NIV)
The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?
Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
These verses can help our sons understand that with God as their protector, they have nothing to fear.
Hebrews 4:16 (ESV)
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
There will be many times when my sons will need mercy and grace–I know this because it’s true for me too. This verse can follow them into adulthood and be a reminder that God is always approachable and ready to help His children.
Romans 15:13 (NIV)
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Philippians 4:7 (ESV)
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Joy, peace, and hope. All things each of us can use more of in our lives. We (and our boys) can experience these promises when we trust in Jesus.
Psalm 27:3 (NLT)
Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will not be afraid. Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident.
In this psalm, David expresses unwavering confidence in God even when he is facing danger. If your son is feeling overwhelmed, this is a good verse to share with him.
1 John 4:4 (ESV)
Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
In this verse, confidence is found in the greatness and power of God. Worldly living and beliefs can pull boys in the wrong direction, but I’m so thankful that we have a God who is greater and stronger than anything in this world.
Hebrews 10:35-36 (ESV)
Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.
Believers can keep their confidence and trust in God’s promises, even during hard times. This verse from Hebrews tells your son not to let go of his confidence. Hanging on and persevering through difficulties is what brings the reward. He can do this because of what God has done for him.
2 Corinthians 3:4-5
Such confidence we have through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God.
Where is the source of confidence? Through Christ! I think these words from Paul in 2 Corinthians are a good reminder that we aren’t called to rely on our abilities to accomplish God’s will. Our skills, talents, and strength come from Him.
Proverbs 3:26 KJV
For the Lord shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.
One commentary I read said that “keep thy foot from being taken” means that for your son, “sound judgment and discernment will provide protection along life’s journey,” because by following truth, he is choosing to be protected by the Lord Himself.
1 John 4:16-18
And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.
God’s love is poured into my sons’ lives through Christ. Because they belong to Christ, they do not have to fear any longer. The fear referred to in these verses is the fear of judgment, so it reminds them that they can have confidence in their salvation because they are covered by the blood of Jesus.
2 Timothy 1:7 KJV
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Everyone struggles with fear, even if they may seem confident on the outside! This verse assures your son that God has given him a spirit of power, encouraging him to be bold and disciplined. The skill of self-discipline is learned over time, of course, but thankfully he doesn’t have to do it on his own.
Lamentations 3:22-23
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
These verses are fairly well-known, but they are always a great reminder in times of doubt that God’s love for our sons is never-ending.
Zephaniah 3:17
The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.
True confidence is found in being redeemed by Christ’s power over death on the cross. This was one of the first verses our kids memorized when they were little! (Because honestly these verses work for girls too). It is a good one to use if your own son is struggling with his identity and maybe even doubting if he is a child of God.
1 Timothy 4:12
Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.
I’ve noticed that by the time boys get to be pre-teens and teenagers, it can be hard to live in a godly way. This verse encourages young men to be confident and lead by example, regardless of their age. Timothy was being told by Paul to step up as a leader, even though he was younger than a lot of the men he was teaching and preaching to. While our son may not be called to be an evangelist or preacher, he may be called upon to stand up for what is right and true.
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.
Trusting in God instead of their own abilities can give our sons confidence, knowing that He will guide them in the right direction. Life takes a lot of twists and turns and following the Lord provides a path that will help them live out their calling.
I hope each of the verses I’ve shared will encourage your son to have confidence in God. It’s my prayer that each of our boys will see and believe the promises given through these Scriptures.
Translations of the Holy Bible used include the English Standard Version, New International Version, King James Version, and New Living Translation. You are welcome to use your preferred version of the Bible to read these important Bible verses!
You may also like Bible Verses About Confidence for Girls
Growing in Faith: Confidence Bible Study for Kids
I wrote this study for kids ages 8 to 13 to help them grow in confidence through Christ!
This study will guide your child through seven biblical lessons that teach the Scriptural way to view confidence that can apply to everyday life.
Learn more by clicking on the button below!
