Intro: What is the Definition of Success According to the Bible?
The world defines success as wealth, fame, and personal achievements. But the Bible flips this narrative entirely. The true definition of success, from a biblical perspective, is walking in obedience to God, living a righteous life, and serving others in humility. Jesus taught that those who humble themselves will be exalted by God (Matthew 23:12). Humility enough to ask Jesus to be your Lord and Savior allows the Holy Spirit to go to work inside you.
When we take on the qualities of righteousness that God places within us, the worldly signs of success may naturally follow, either through God’s direct intervention or through the influence of a transformed life (Deuteronomy 28:2; Psalm 37:4-5). We are exalted not for our glory, but to fulfill God’s mission of leading others to Him (Matthew 5:14-16; 2 Corinthians 5:20). This article explores 20 Bible-based definitions of success, showing how a life aligned with God’s Word leads to eternal rewards.
1. Success is Obedience to God (Deuteronomy 28:1)
“If you fully obey the Lord your God… the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth.” Obedience brings God’s favor. True success begins when we surrender our will to His.
2. Success is Trusting in the Lord (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Trusting God, not leaning on our understanding, and submitting to His ways defines biblical success. Gaining “success” through one’s own understanding and efforts paves the road to hell (Proverbs 14:12). You planned your life apart from God and you inherit eternity without him as well (Matthew 7:21-23).
3. Success is Walking in Humility (James 4:10)
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” Walking humbly is a true mark of success. And humbling oneself is realizing that you can achieve nothing without God except for destruction (John 15:5). With him everything is possible (Matthew 19:26).
4. Success is Fearing the Lord (Psalm 128:1)
“Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in obedience to him.” Fearing God leads to blessings and true success. In fact, a proper fear of God in your heart will keep you from transgressing (Proverbs 16:6). Don’t listen to those who say that Fear of God and the love of God can’t coexist. It can. You can love the warmth of the Sun and fear it enough to know not to get sunburned (Hebrews 12:28-29).
5. Success is Bearing Spiritual Fruit (John 15:5)
Remaining in Christ and bearing fruit shows a life rooted in God’s success. What can be better to achieve that fruit that God finds good? Who are you looking to please if not God? Others? Yourself? I hope you answered correctly, I want to please God (2 Corinthians 5:9).
6. Success is Being a Servant (Mark 9:35)
“If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.” Serving others is a high calling in God’s eyes. Serving the body of Christ and others is success (1 Peter 4:10-11). People who just want to be praised and have others serve them are failures and they don’t even know it (Matthew 23:11-12).
7. Success is Faithfulness (Matthew 25:21)
“Well done, good and faithful servant!” Faithfulness in small and large things is true success. Did you know that one day he is going to tell those who are faithful with little that they will rule over much (Luke 19:17)? This world has small gains. In eternity, the gains are enormous (2 Corinthians 4:17).
8. Success is Perseverance (Galatians 6:9)
Success includes continuing to do good, even in hardship. Can you really say you have made it when your success depends on absolute easy sailing? There is nothing wrong with easy sailing, but the successful prevail over the storm (2 Timothy 2:3; Matthew 7:24-27).
9. Success is Knowing Christ (Philippians 3:8)
Knowing Jesus surpasses all worldly achievements. You better believe. You don’t want to hear on the day of judgement, “Verily, verily I say unto you that I never knew you” (Matthew 7:23 (Sermon on the Mount). You will not care about how much money or fame or other achievements you had on earth once you hear those words (Luke 12:20-21).
10. Success is Living with Integrity (Proverbs 10:9)
“Whoever walks in integrity walks securely.” Living righteously defines real success. This is mainly true because it’s a sign that the Holy Spirit is in you (Galatians 5:22-23). If he is then you are saved (Romans 8:9). If you are saved, then you inherit eternity (Titus 3:7). If you inherit eternity with Jesus, then you are successful.
11. Success is Seeking God’s Kingdom (Matthew 6:33)
“Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.” Prioritizing God’s kingdom brings lasting success.
12. Success is Contentment (1 Timothy 6:6)
“Godliness with contentment is great gain.” Contentment in God’s provision is a mark of true definition of success.
13. Success is Loving Others (John 13:35)
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Love is central to a successful life.
14. Success is Making Disciples (Matthew 28:19)
Spreading the Gospel embodies God’s definition of success. By the way, you cannot do this without the Holy Spirit within you (Acts 1:8).
15. Success is Enduring Trials (James 1:12)
“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial… he will receive the crown of life.” Endurance in Christ Jesus is a part of the true biblical definition of success.
16. Success is Speaking Truth (Ephesians 4:15)
Speaking truth in love builds up others and honors God. Man, learning how to talk to others in love is a true sign that Jesus is your Lord and Savior (John 13:34-35). It’s hard to condemn others and lead them to Christ. It’s easier to lovingly guide them from danger. For how do the unloving guide others to love?
17. Success is Using Your Gifts (1 Peter 4:10)
Using your God-given talents to serve others fulfills your purpose.
18. Success is Practicing Forgiveness (Colossians 3:13)
Forgiveness reflects Christ’s love and defines true success. Our path to God starts with him forgiving us (Ephesians 1:7). How can we not forgive others? If you are praying for others to go to hell, then your destination is in danger of being that very place (Matthew 6:15).
19. Success is Being Set Apart (Romans 12:2)
Not conforming to the world shows a transformed, successful life. Conforming to a fallen world is a slow remaking of yourself to the ever-changing virtues of the world (2 Timothy 4:3-4). Transforming to be Christ-like is the death of a stone heart and the birth of a fleshly heart that yearns for God and the things of God (Ezekiel 36:26). Don’t you want to get rid of the nasty rotten mind and heart you carry around? A God-like heart and mind would be so refreshing (Philippians 4:8).
20. Success is Finishing the Race (2 Timothy 4:7)
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” Remaining faithful to the end is the ultimate success. And you will do so, not through your own power, but through the power of the Holy Spirit that will not fail you (Philippians 1:6).
Conclusion: The True Definition of Success
Worldly standards shift, but God’s Word is firm. The definition of success according to Scripture is a life lived in obedience, humility, faithfulness, and love. As we adopt these righteous qualities through God’s power working within us, worldly success often follows naturally or through His divine intervention (Psalm 1:1-3). We are exalted not for our own gain, but to fulfill the mission of leading others to Christ (Matthew 5:14-16). God sees the heart and promises to exalt those who follow His ways (1 Peter 5:6). Let us aim for the definition of success that heaven recognizes.