50 Bible Verses about Influence

The concept of influence, encompassing both the impact we have on others and the sway others have over us, is a profound theme in the Bible. This collection of verses explores the power of influence, emphasizing the responsibility that comes with it and the importance of using it wisely and righteously.

In Matthew 5:13-14, Jesus speaks to the influential role of His followers: “You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.” This metaphor highlights the essential and visible role believers play in the world, underscoring the significant impact of their influence.

The scriptures often remind us that the way we live our lives can serve as a powerful testament to our faith, influencing those around us either positively or negatively. In Proverbs 27:17, the reciprocal nature of influence is expressed: “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” This verse conveys the idea that our interactions can either build up or diminish those around us, making the quality of our influence crucial.

These verses encourage us to consider the reach and repercussions of our actions and to strive to be a positive influence in the world. They call us to lead by example, showing kindness, integrity, and godliness in our everyday lives. In 1 Peter 2:12, we are advised, “Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” Let this collection of scriptures inspire you to use your influence thoughtfully and purposefully, as a means of glorifying God and edifying those around you.

50 Bible Verses about Influence

Influence Through Leadership

1. “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.” – Matthew 20:26
2. “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16
3. “The one who leads must lead with diligence.” – Romans 12:8
4. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” – Philippians 2:3
5. “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind.” – 1 Peter 5:2
6. “Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.” – Hebrews 13:7
7. “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be.” – 1 Peter 5:2-3
8. “So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed.” – 1 Peter 5:1
9. “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account.” – Hebrews 13:17
10. “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. But you are not to be like that.” – Luke 22:25-26

Positive Influence on Others

11. “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17
12. “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24
13. “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.” – Ecclesiastes 4:9
14. “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
15. “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” – Proverbs 16:24
16. “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’” – 1 Corinthians 15:33
17. “The one who walks with the wise will become wise, but a companion of fools will suffer harm.” – Proverbs 13:20
18. “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17
19. “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” – Ephesians 4:29
20. “We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.” – Romans 15:1

Godly Influence in the World

21. “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again?” – Matthew 5:13
22. “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.” – Matthew 5:14
23. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” – Acts 1:8
24. “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16
25. “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” – Ephesians 2:10
26. “For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” – Philippians 2:13
27. “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” – John 13:35
28. “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.” – Titus 2:11-12
29. “Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” – Philippians 4:5
30. “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” – 1 Peter 3:15

Influence through Words and Speech

31. “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” – Proverbs 18:21
32. “Speak evil of no one, avoid quarreling, be gentle, and show perfect courtesy toward all people.” – Titus 3:2
33. “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” – Psalm 19:14
34. “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” – Proverbs 15:1
35. “Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” – Proverbs 12:18
36. “Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.” – Proverbs 21:23
37. “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” – Ephesians 4:29
38. “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” – Ephesians 4:29
39. “For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” – Matthew 12:37
40. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” – Proverbs 18:21

Standing Firm Against Negative Influence

41. “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” – Romans 12:2
42. “I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.” – John 17:14
43. “Bad company ruins good morals.” – 1 Corinthians 15:33
44. “Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.” – 1 Corinthians 10:14
45. “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” – Colossians 3:2
46. “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers.” – Psalm 1:1
47. “But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king’s food, or with the wine that he drank.” – Daniel 1:8
48. “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” – 1 John 2:15
49. “You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.” – James 4:4
50. “But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.” – 1 Timothy 6:11

Conclusion

The concept of influence is deeply woven into the fabric of the Bible, emphasizing its power and significance in shaping our lives and those around us. These verses provide a comprehensive perspective on influence, highlighting the importance of leading by example, using our words wisely, and standing firm against negative influences.

They remind us of the transformative power of godly influence and the responsibility that comes with it. Through these scriptures, we are encouraged to be a positive force in the world, to use our influence to glorify God, and to impact others in a way that leads them closer to Him. Whether through leadership, speech, example, or resisting negative influences, we are called to be agents of change, reflecting Christ in every aspect of our lives.