What are the key Bible verses about shame?

Key passages include Romans 8:1, Psalm 34:5, Isaiah 61:7, Hebrews 12:2, 1 John 3:1.

Is there a prayer for shame?

Father, you do not look at me with the eyes I look at myself. There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ. Speak that over me until I believe it. Let me lift my head. Amen.

Shame — Bible verses & prayer

Q: What does the Bible say about shame?

Shame is one of the themes Scripture returns to again and again. Shame whispers that you are the problem. Scripture answers with a different word: beloved. People reach for these passages when they're looking up shame, ashamed, worthless, dirty , or some version of "what does the Bible say about shame?" Among the most-cited passages on this theme are Romans 8:1, Psalm 34:5, Isaiah 61:7, Hebrews 12:2 , and others below. Romans 8:1 is the passage many readers return to first. The page also offers a written prayer that names shame plainly and asks God for what's needed in this moment. It is not a magic formula — it is a small, faithful starting point. A short reflection question sits at the bottom of the page: What does the loving voice of God say to you right now that contradicts the voice of shame? Sit with it for a minute, or carry it into a journal. If this isn't quite the right doorway

Shame whispers that you are the problem. Scripture answers with a different word: beloved.

Shame is one of the themes Scripture returns to again and again. Shame whispers that you are the problem. Scripture answers with a different word: beloved.

People reach for these passages when they're looking up shame, ashamed, worthless, dirty, or some version of "what does the Bible say about shame?"

Among the most-cited passages on this theme are Romans 8:1, Psalm 34:5, Isaiah 61:7, Hebrews 12:2, and others below. Romans 8:1 is the passage many readers return to first.

The page also offers a written prayer that names shame plainly and asks God for what's needed in this moment. It is not a magic formula — it is a small, faithful starting point.

A short reflection question sits at the bottom of the page: What does the loving voice of God say to you right now that contradicts the voice of shame? Sit with it for a minute, or carry it into a journal.

If this isn't quite the right doorway, try a closely related theme: Identity, Guilt, Forgiveness.

Verses

Romans 8:1

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Psalms 34:5

They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed.

Isaiah 61:7

For your shame ye shall have double; and for confusion they shall rejoice in their portion: therefore in their land they shall possess the double: everlasting joy shall be unto them.

Hebrews 12:2

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

1 John 3:1

Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

Joel 2:25-26

And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you. And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God, that hath dealt wondrously with you: and my people shall never be ashamed.

Reflection

What does the loving voice of God say to you right now that contradicts the voice of shame?

Bible verses about shame

Verses

Reflection

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