100 Bible Verses about Leaders

Hebrews 13:7 ESV / 111 helpful votes

Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.

Luke 22:26 ESV / 100 helpful votes

But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves.

1 Timothy 4:12 ESV / 76 helpful votes

Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.

Philippians 2:3 ESV / 75 helpful votes

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.

Matthew 20:26 ESV / 69 helpful votes

It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant,

Hebrews 13:17 ESV / 68 helpful votes

Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.

Galatians 6:9 ESV / 60 helpful votes

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

Mark 10:42-45 ESV / 54 helpful votes

And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Matthew 7:12 ESV / 51 helpful votes

“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

Proverbs 4:23 ESV / 51 helpful votes

Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.

Acts 20:28 ESV / 48 helpful votes

Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.

Exodus 18:21 ESV / 46 helpful votes

Moreover, look for able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and place such men over the people as chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens.

Isaiah 41:10 ESV / 45 helpful votes

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

James 3:1 ESV / 44 helpful votes

Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.

1 Timothy 5:17 ESV / 44 helpful votes

Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.

Proverbs 11:14 ESV / 44 helpful votes

Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.

1 Timothy 3:2 ESV / 42 helpful votes

Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,

Proverbs 29:2 ESV / 42 helpful votes

When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan.

2 Timothy 2:15 ESV / 40 helpful votes

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.

Psalm 78:72 ESV / 40 helpful votes

With upright heart he shepherded them and guided them with his skillful hand.

James 1:12 ESV / 39 helpful votes

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

Romans 13:1 ESV / 37 helpful votes

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.

Luke 6:31 ESV / 36 helpful votes

And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.

Proverbs 22:29 ESV / 36 helpful votes

Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.

Revelation 1:1 ESV / 33 helpful votes

The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John,

1 Timothy 3:1-13 ESV / 33 helpful votes

The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church? ...

1 Timothy 3:1-7 ESV / 32 helpful votes

The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church? ...

John 13:13-17 ESV / 32 helpful votes

You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.

1 Peter 5:3 ESV / 31 helpful votes

Not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.

Philippians 4:13 ESV / 31 helpful votes

I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Proverbs 29:14 ESV / 31 helpful votes

If a king faithfully judges the poor, his throne will be established forever.

2 Timothy 2:2 ESV / 30 helpful votes

And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.

John 3:30 ESV / 30 helpful votes

He must increase, but I must decrease.”

Matthew 5:37 ESV / 30 helpful votes

Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.

Titus 2:7 ESV / 29 helpful votes

Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity,

Philippians 2:4 ESV / 29 helpful votes

Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Acts 5:29 ESV / 27 helpful votes

But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.

Proverbs 16:12 ESV / 26 helpful votes

It is an abomination to kings to do evil, for the throne is established by righteousness.

Titus 1:7-14 ESV / 24 helpful votes

For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it. For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party. They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach. ...

1 Timothy 4:8 ESV / 24 helpful votes

For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.

Proverbs 27:23-24 ESV / 24 helpful votes

Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds, for riches do not last forever; and does a crown endure to all generations?

Deuteronomy 1:13 ESV / 24 helpful votes

Choose for your tribes wise, understanding, and experienced men, and I will appoint them as your heads.’

Titus 1:7 ESV / 23 helpful votes

For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain,

Ephesians 4:11-16 ESV / 23 helpful votes

And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, ...

Isaiah 3:12 ESV / 22 helpful votes

My people—infants are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, your guides mislead you and they have swallowed up the course of your paths.

Psalm 37:5 ESV / 22 helpful votes

Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.

Matthew 20:25-28 ESV / 20 helpful votes

But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Proverbs 24:10 ESV / 20 helpful votes

If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small.

1 Peter 5:2 ESV / 19 helpful votes

Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly;

1 Timothy 4:2 ESV / 19 helpful votes

Through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared,

1 Timothy 3:1 ESV / 19 helpful votes

The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task.

Romans 8:28 ESV / 19 helpful votes

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Acts 14:23 ESV / 19 helpful votes

And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.

Proverbs 29:12 ESV / 19 helpful votes

If a ruler listens to falsehood, all his officials will be wicked.

Proverbs 29:4 ESV / 19 helpful votes

By justice a king builds up the land, but he who exacts gifts tears it down.

1 Peter 5:7 ESV / 18 helpful votes

Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

1 Peter 5:5 ESV / 18 helpful votes

Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

James 4:10 ESV / 18 helpful votes

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.

1 Corinthians 12:12 ESV / 18 helpful votes

For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.

Romans 12:9-13 ESV / 18 helpful votes

Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.

Romans 12:8 ESV / 18 helpful votes

The one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.

John 13:12-15 ESV / 18 helpful votes

When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.

John 10:11 ESV / 18 helpful votes

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

John 3:16-17 ESV / 18 helpful votes

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

Luke 22:24-27 ESV / 18 helpful votes

A dispute also arose among them, as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest. And he said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves. For who is the greater, one who reclines at table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the one who serves.

Jeremiah 23:1 ESV / 18 helpful votes

“Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture!” declares the Lord.

Jeremiah 1:5 ESV / 18 helpful votes

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”

Proverbs 31:8-9 ESV / 18 helpful votes

Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.

Proverbs 16:18 ESV / 18 helpful votes

Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.

Proverbs 16:9 ESV / 18 helpful votes

The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.

Proverbs 3:5-10 ESV / 18 helpful votes

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones. Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; ...

Deuteronomy 1:15 ESV / 18 helpful votes

So I took the heads of your tribes, wise and experienced men, and set them as heads over you, commanders of thousands, commanders of hundreds, commanders of fifties, commanders of tens, and officers, throughout your tribes.

Matthew 23:1-39 ESV / 17 helpful votes

Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat, so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practice. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger. They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long, ...

James 1:5 ESV / 16 helpful votes

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

Mark 10:45 ESV / 16 helpful votes

For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

1 Peter 5:1-4 ESV / 15 helpful votes

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: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.

Philippians 2:3-4 ESV / 15 helpful votes

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Luke 12:48 ESV / 15 helpful votes

But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a light beating. Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.

1 Timothy 2:1-2 ESV / 14 helpful votes

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.

Romans 13:1-7 ESV / 14 helpful votes

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience. ...

Isaiah 1:23 ESV / 14 helpful votes

Your princes are rebels and companions of thieves. Everyone loves a bribe and runs after gifts. They do not bring justice to the fatherless, and the widow's cause does not come to them.

1 Peter 2:17 ESV / 13 helpful votes

Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.

1 Timothy 3:8-13 ESV / 13 helpful votes

Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. ...

Matthew 24:45-47 ESV / 13 helpful votes

“Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions.

1 Peter 5:2-4 ESV / 12 helpful votes

Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.

Titus 1:6 ESV / 12 helpful votes

If anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination.

2 Timothy 2:24 ESV / 12 helpful votes

And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil,

2 Timothy 1:7 ESV / 12 helpful votes

For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

1 Timothy 3:5 ESV / 12 helpful votes

For if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church?

1 Timothy 3:2-3 ESV / 12 helpful votes

Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.

1 Timothy 3:1-5 ESV / 12 helpful votes

The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church?

1 Timothy 3:1-2 ESV / 12 helpful votes

The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,

1 Thessalonians 5:14 ESV / 12 helpful votes

And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 ESV / 12 helpful votes

We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.

Colossians 3:23-25 ESV / 12 helpful votes

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality.

Philippians 2:5-8 ESV / 12 helpful votes

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

Galatians 6:6 ESV / 12 helpful votes

Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches.

Matthew 6:21 ESV / 12 helpful votes

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Ezekiel 34:1-8 ESV / 12 helpful votes

The word of the Lord came to me: “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy, and say to them, even to the shepherds, Thus says the Lord God: Ah, shepherds of Israel who have been feeding yourselves! Should not shepherds feed the sheep? You eat the fat, you clothe yourselves with the wool, you slaughter the fat ones, but you do not feed the sheep. The weak you have not strengthened, the sick you have not healed, the injured you have not bound up, the strayed you have not brought back, the lost you have not sought, and with force and harshness you have ruled them. So they were scattered, because there was no shepherd, and they became food for all the wild beasts. My sheep were scattered; ...

Ezekiel 3:16-4:17 ESV / 12 helpful votes

And at the end of seven days, the word of the Lord came to me: “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from my mouth, you shall give them warning from me. If I say to the wicked, ‘You shall surely die,’ and you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, in order to save his life, that wicked person shall die for his iniquity, but his blood I will require at your hand. But if you warn the wicked, and he does not turn from his wickedness, or from his wicked way, he shall die for his iniquity, but you will have delivered your soul. Again, if a righteous person turns from his righteousness and commits injustice, and I lay a stumbling block before him, he shall die. Because you have not warned him, he shall die for his sin, and his righteous deeds that he has done shall not be remembered, but his blood I will require at your hand. ...

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