40 Powerful Bible Verses About Influence

Influence is a gift and a responsibility. Every believer has the power to shape the lives of others positively or negatively through their words, actions, and lifestyle. The Bible is filled with wisdom on how influence works, the importance of godly influence, and the dangers of ungodly influence. In this article, we will look at 40 powerful Bible verses about influence, along with insights on what the Bible says about it, and biblical examples of influence that still inspire us today.

What is Influence?

Influence is the ability to affect the thoughts, actions, or decisions of others. It goes beyond power or authority; true influence often works quietly through example, character, and consistency. In Scripture, influence is tied to responsibility. Jesus taught that His followers are like “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14) meant to shine so that others are drawn to God. Influence can be positive, pointing people to Christ, or negative, leading others into sin.

What Does the Bible Say About Influence?

The Bible repeatedly teaches that influence should be used for good, not for selfish ambition or destruction. A godly influence points others toward Christ, while a negative influence can lead people into sin.

Jesus told His followers that they are “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:13–16). This shows that our lives are meant to influence the world positively.

The Apostle Paul reminded Timothy that believers should be examples in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity (1 Timothy 4:12).

Proverbs highlights how the righteous uplift communities, but the wicked corrupt them.

In summary, the Bible teaches that influence is a divine assignment. How we use it matters to God.

Examples of Influence in the Bible

The Bible provides countless stories of people whose influence changed history.

Joseph: Through integrity and wisdom, Joseph influenced Egypt and saved nations from famine (Genesis 41).
Esther: Her courage influenced the king and saved the Jews (Esther 4–8).
Daniel: His faithfulness influenced Babylonian kings to acknowledge God (Daniel 6).
Paul: His missionary journeys influenced entire regions with the gospel (Acts 13–28).
Delilah: A negative example of influence, her persuasion led Samson into captivity (Judges 16).

These stories remind us that influence can build or destroy, depending on how it is used.

40 Powerful Bible Verses About Influence

Here are 40 powerful Bible verses about influence that reveal how God wants us to impact the world around us.

Matthew 5:13-14 – “You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world.”
Proverbs 27:17 – “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
1 Corinthians 15:33 – “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’”
Romans 12:2 – “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
Philippians 4:9 – “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me, put it into practice.”
Titus 2:7 – “In everything set them an example by doing what is good.”
1 Timothy 4:12 – “Set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”
Matthew 5:16 – “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Proverbs 13:20 – “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”
Hebrews 10:24 – “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”
Colossians 3:17 – “Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.”
Ephesians 5:11 – “Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.”
Psalm 1:1 – “Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked.”
Proverbs 22:24-25 – “Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person… or you may learn their ways.”
2 Timothy 2:2 – “The things you have heard me say… entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.”
James 3:13 – “Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in humility that comes from wisdom.”
Romans 14:13 – “Make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.”
Proverbs 4:23 – “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
Micah 6:8 – “To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
1 Peter 2:12 – “Live such good lives among the pagans that… they may see your good deeds and glorify God.”
Matthew 7:16 – “By their fruit you will recognize them.”
John 13:35 – “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Colossians 4:5-6 – “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.”
Galatians 6:9 – “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest.”
Romans 14:19 – “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.”
1 Thessalonians 1:7 – “You became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia.”
2 Corinthians 3:2 – “You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone.”
Ephesians 4:29 – “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful.”
John 8:12 – “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness.”
Matthew 28:19-20 – “Go and make disciples of all nations… teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”
1 Peter 5:3 – “Not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.”
Acts 4:13 – “They took note that these men had been with Jesus.”
Joshua 24:15 – “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”
Nehemiah 6:3 – “I am carrying on a great project and cannot go down.”
Psalm 78:4 – “We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord.”
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 – “Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road.”
Isaiah 60:1 – “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.”
2 Thessalonians 3:9 – “We did this… in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate.”
Philippians 2:15 – “So that you may become blameless and pure… then you will shine among them like stars in the sky.”
Revelation 3:8 – “See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut.”

Conclusion

As we reflect on these Bible verses about influence, it becomes clear that our words, actions, and decisions matter. Influence is not reserved for leaders or public figures, even in our daily life; whether at work, in church, or at home, each believer has the opportunity to point others to Christ through love, integrity, and faithfulness.

The Bible challenges us to be intentional with our influence, to shine as light in a dark world, and to leave a legacy that glorifies God.