Leadership is one of the great callings—and great anxieties—of life. Whether you’re leading in ministry, business, or your family, the weight of responsibility can feel overwhelming. But Scripture offers a radically different vision of leadership than the world does. Instead of chasing power, influence, or personal success, biblical leadership is about humility, wisdom, and service—modeled most perfectly by Jesus Himself. These Bible verses on leadership will challenge, encourage, and reframe how you think about leading in a way that reflects the surprising and beautiful truths of the Gospel.

What Does the Bible Say About Leadership?

Biblical leadership is not about power or personal gain but about serving others, leading with integrity, and seeking God’s wisdom. Jesus modeled the ultimate example of servant leadership when He washed His disciples’ feet (John 13:12-17). The Bible also highlights the importance of humility, courage, and wisdom in leadership.

Here are 25 powerful Bible verses on leadership to inspire and guide you in your leadership journey.

Bible Verses on Service

True leadership in the Bible is rooted in service. Jesus Himself demonstrated that the greatest leaders are those who serve others.

1. Mark 10:45 – “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
2. Matthew 23:11 – “The greatest among you will be your servant.”
3. John 13:14-15 – “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”
4. Galatians 5:13 – “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.”

Bible Verses on Wisdom

Great leaders seek wisdom from God rather than relying solely on their own understanding.

1. James 1:5 – “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
2. 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.”
3. Ecclesiastes 10:2 – “The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but the heart of the fool to the left.”
4. Proverbs 11:14 – “For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.”

Bible Verses on Integrity

Integrity is one of the most important qualities of a godly leader. The Bible reminds us to lead with honesty and righteousness.

1. Proverbs 10:9 – “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.”
2. Titus 1:7-8 – “Since an overseer manages God’s household, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined.”
3. Psalm 78:72 – “And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them.”
4. Luke 16:10 – “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.”

Bible Verses on Courage

Leaders often face difficult decisions and opposition. God calls leaders to be strong and courageous.

1. Joshua 1:9 – “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
2. 2 Timothy 1:7 – “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”
3. Psalm 27:1 – “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?”
4. Deuteronomy 31:6 – “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Bible Verses on Humility

Pride can be a leader’s downfall, but humility leads to wisdom and favor.

1. Proverbs 16:18 – “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”
2. Philippians 2:3-4 – “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
3. 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.”
4. 1 Peter 5:5-6 – “In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.’ Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.”

Bible Verses on God’s Calling

God calls and equips leaders according to His purpose.

1. Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
2. Exodus 18:21 – “But select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens.”
3. Isaiah 41:10 – “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.”
4. Acts 20:28 – “Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.”
5. 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 – “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.”

Conclusion

Biblical leadership is about serving others, seeking God’s wisdom, leading with integrity, and staying courageous in the face of challenges. Whether you’re leading a church, a team, or your family, these Bible verses on leadership can guide you in making wise, God-honoring decisions.

Want to Grow as a Christian Leader?

If you’re looking for practical leadership wisdom rooted in faith, explore God’s Purpose for Your Organizational Life—or check out our Good Faith Podcast for insightful discussions on leadership, faith, and culture.