40 Bible Verses About Example

In today’s world, influence is everywhere. From social media to leadership in the workplace, people are constantly observing and following the patterns they see in others. For believers, the call to be an example is not optional, it’s essential. The Bible is filled with wisdom and encouragement on how we are to live as examples for others. In this blog post, we’ll explore 40 Bible verses about example and go into what Scripture says about living a life worth imitating.

Whether you are a parent, leader, teacher, or simply trying to walk faithfully, these scriptures will help guide you.

What Does the Bible Say About Being An Example?

The Bible calls every believer to be a light in a dark world. Being an example isn’t about being perfect, but about consistently pointing others to Christ through your actions, speech, and choices.

In 1 Timothy 4:12, Paul instructs Timothy, “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” This verse highlights six key areas where believers are to model Christlikeness.

Jesus Himself is our ultimate example. He lived with compassion, integrity, humility, and obedience to the Father. The Gospels show us what it means to live a life that reflects God’s heart. The apostles followed in His footsteps, teaching others to imitate them as they imitated Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1).

Here are a few key points Scripture emphasizes about being an example:

Live with integrity: People are watching how you live more than what you say.
Be consistent in your faith: Your walk should match your talk.
Teach by example: Paul told Timothy to be an example in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity.
Lead with humility: The greatest leaders in Scripture served others first.

Living as a godly example isn’t just for church leaders or the “super spiritual”, it’s for every believer. Whether you’re aware of it or not, your life is speaking. The question is: what is it saying?

40 Bible Verses About Example

Here are 40 Bible verses about example to help you better understand what Scripture teaches about influence, leadership, and righteous living.

Bible Verses About Example from the Old Testament

Proverbs 20:7 “The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them.”
Proverbs 22:6 “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 “These commandments… are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children.”
Psalm 101:2 “I will be careful to lead a blameless life—when will you come to me?”
Genesis 18:19 “For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD.”
Proverbs 13:20 “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”
1 Chronicles 29:17 “I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity.”
Job 1:1 “This man was blameless and upright; he feared God and shunned evil.”
Exodus 18:20 “Teach them His decrees and instructions, and show them the way they are to live and how they are to behave.”
Psalm 78:4 “We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation…”

Bible Verses About Example from the New Testament

1 Timothy 4:12 “Set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”
Titus 2:7 “In everything set them an example by doing what is good.”
Philippians 3:17 “Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters…”
1 Corinthians 11:1 “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.”
2 Thessalonians 3:9 “We did this… to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate.”
John 13:15 “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”
Matthew 5:16 “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds…”
Ephesians 5:1-2 “Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love…”
Hebrews 13:7 “Remember your leaders… consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.”
James 5:10 “Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience… take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.”

Bible Verses About Parental Example

Ephesians 6:4 “Fathers, do not exasperate your children… bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”
Colossians 3:21 “Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.”
Proverbs 1:8-9 “Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.”
2 Timothy 1:5 “I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice…”
Deuteronomy 4:9 “Teach them to your children and to their children after them.”
Psalm 127:3-4 “Children are a heritage from the Lord… Like arrows in the hands of a warrior…”
Proverbs 17:6 “Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.”
Proverbs 10:1 “A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son brings grief to his mother.”
Isaiah 38:19 “The living, the living—they praise you, as I am doing today; parents tell their children about your faithfulness.”
Psalm 145:4 “One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts.”

Bible Verses About Leaders Being Examples

1 Peter 5:2-3 “Be shepherds of God’s flock… not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.”
Acts 20:35 “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak…”
2 Corinthians 1:12 “Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves… with integrity and godly sincerity.”
1 Thessalonians 1:6-7 “You became imitators of us and of the Lord… And so you became a model to all the believers.”
Philippians 4:9 “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me… put it into practice.”
Romans 12:1 “Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”
Galatians 6:9 “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
1 Corinthians 4:16 “Therefore I urge you to imitate me.”
Colossians 3:17 “Whatever you do… do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus…”
2 Timothy 3:10 “You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love…”

Conclusion

These bible verses about example remind us that our lives carry influence. Whether we are being watched by children, co-workers, or strangers, our walk should reflect the love, humility, and integrity of Christ.

Being an example doesn’t require perfection, it requires surrender, consistency, and the desire to reflect Jesus in every part of our lives. Start small. Ask God daily to make you a better witness through your actions, words, and decisions.

Remember: You may be the only Bible someone ever reads.

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