The Bible is full of loving, supportive, and affirming statements, many of which capture the essence of being proud of someone in a modest and holy manner. The bible verses about being proud of someone praise the beauty of appreciating the development, faithfulness, and successes of others while simultaneously cautioning against hubris based on self-exaltation. Proverbs emphasizes the joy of smart children, while Paul praises fellow Christians for their spiritual maturity. In the biblical sense, being proud of someone is closely linked to honoring godly character and spiritual development.
The apostle Paul frequently shows his sincere pride and appreciation for the believers he served in the New Testament. Paul frequently expressed his delight and rejoicing in the faith and tenacity of others in letters to churches such as those in Thessalonica, Philippi, and Corinth. These occasions were about celebrating what God was doing in His people’s lives, not about claiming personal glory. These instances demonstrate that it is acceptable and significant to praise the positive traits we observe in other people, particularly when those traits are a reflection of God’s activity in their lives.
This idea is also expressed in the Old Testament, especially in the Proverbs, where the diligent person gains respect and the clever son makes his parents happy. These scriptures demonstrate that it is not only acceptable but also encouraged to acknowledge the integrity, faith, and accomplishments of others. It strengthens bonds and cultivates a supportive and appreciative culture among the religious community. When Godly pride is focused on the development and obedience of others, it elevates rather than elevates—it emphasizes God’s favor rather than one’s glory.
Therefore, from a biblical standpoint, having pride in someone is based on love, support, and truth. It’s about celebrating someone’s faithfulness to God, recognizing their progress, and confirming the results of their faith. These instances, whether it’s a youngster making moral decisions, a friend maintaining their faith, or a volunteer in the community, should be honored. Scripture provides us with the vocabulary and viewpoint to articulate that pride in a way that honors the person and the God who gives them strength.
30 Inspiring Bible Verses About Being Proud of Someone in 2025
1. Philippians 1:3-5
“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.”
Paul expresses heartfelt gratitude and joy for the Philippians, celebrating their faithfulness and partnership. His words reflect a deep spiritual pride in their growth and commitment. This passage reminds us that being proud of someone’s spiritual journey and support in ministry is not only appropriate but also a cause for thanksgiving and joyful prayer.
2. 2 Thessalonians 1:3-4
“We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing. Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith.”
Paul commends the Thessalonians for their increasing faith and love, openly boasting about their steadfastness to other churches. This verse shows how spiritual pride in others can serve as encouragement and testimony. Celebrating someone’s growth honors both them and the God working through them.
3. 2 Corinthians 7:4
“I have great confidence in you; I take great pride in you. I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds.”
Paul’s message to the Corinthians overflows with love, trust, and a deep sense of pride in their spiritual resilience. Despite hardship, his pride in their faith and actions fuels his own joy. This verse reflects how being proud of someone can be a godly expression of encouragement and mutual strengthening.
4. Proverbs 17:6
“Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.”
This proverb celebrates the generational joy and honor found in family relationships. It highlights how mutual pride—parents in children and vice versa—is a beautiful, God-ordained dynamic. It shows that being proud of loved ones is a natural extension of love and legacy.
5. 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20
“For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy.”
Paul speaks of the Thessalonian believers as his joy and crown before the Lord. His pride in them is not rooted in vanity, but in the lasting impact of their faith. This verse reveals how righteous pride in someone’s walk with God can be an eternal source of joy and affirmation.
6. 2 Corinthians 8:24
“Therefore show these men the proof of your love and the reason for our pride in you, so that the churches can see it.”
Paul urges the Corinthians to affirm their love publicly, emphasizing how proud he is of their generosity. This verse illustrates how appropriate and powerful it is to express pride in others who reflect Christ through their actions. It encourages transparent, loving affirmation.
7. Galatians 6:4
“Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else.”
Paul highlights the importance of honest self-assessment and personal accountability. While this verse speaks about self-pride, it also establishes the principle that genuine pride—whether in oneself or others—should come from authentic, godly progress, not comparison or competition.
8. Romans 16:19
“Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice because of you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.”
Paul acknowledges the reputation of the Roman believers and expresses joyful pride in their obedience. This rejoicing stems from a godly place, affirming their testimony and urging continued spiritual growth. It reminds us that praising others for their faithfulness builds up the body of Christ.
9. 3 John 1:3-4
“It gave me great joy when some believers came and testified about your faithfulness to the truth, telling how you continue to walk in it. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”
John, speaking with pastoral affection, finds his greatest joy in the spiritual maturity of others. This verse shows that being proud of someone’s faithfulness to truth is a deep, Christ-centered joy, rooted in their alignment with God’s will.
10. Philippians 2:16
“…as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.”
Paul hopes to rejoice in the faithful endurance of the Philippians as evidence that his ministry was fruitful. His pride is not self-serving but reflects the eternal reward of seeing others thrive in the Lord. This verse supports the idea that being proud of someone’s endurance in faith is godly and rewarding.
11. 1 Corinthians 1:4-7
“I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. For in him you have been enriched in every way—with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge—God thus confirming our testimony about Christ among you.”
Paul expresses deep gratitude and joy over the spiritual gifts flourishing among the Corinthians. His appreciation and pride in their growth reveal a spiritual bond grounded in grace. This verse underscores the beauty of being proud of others for using their God-given gifts faithfully.
12. 2 Corinthians 9:2
“For I know your eagerness to help, and I have been boasting about it to the Macedonians, telling them that since last year you in Achaia were ready to give; and your enthusiasm has stirred most of them to action.”
Paul boasts about the Corinthians’ generosity, using their readiness as an example to inspire others. This demonstrates how expressing pride in someone’s good deeds can encourage even broader acts of love and service within the community of believers.
13. Philemon 1:7
“Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.”
Paul commends Philemon for his compassion and ministry. This heartfelt affirmation shows that being proud of someone for their Christlike love is deeply meaningful and spiritually uplifting.
14. Colossians 1:3-4
“We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people.”
Paul expresses genuine thankfulness and joy in the faith and love shown by the Colossians. His recognition of their spiritual fruit is a reflection of godly pride, the kind that celebrates the evidence of Christ working in others.
15. Romans 15:17
“Therefore I glory in Christ Jesus in my service to God.”
Although this verse focuses on boasting in Christ, it models how spiritual pride should always point back to Jesus. When we are proud of someone’s spiritual growth or faithfulness, our praise should reflect the source of that fruit—Christ Himself.
16. 1 Corinthians 15:58
“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”
Paul encourages steadfast service in the Lord, affirming that their efforts have eternal value. Being proud of someone who labors faithfully in ministry is both biblical and affirming—it validates their efforts and reinforces their purpose in Christ.
17. Hebrews 6:10
“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.”
This verse acknowledges and affirms the ongoing love and service shown by believers. Being proud of someone for their consistent ministry and care is aligned with how God Himself honors their faithfulness.
18. Proverbs 31:28-29
“Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: ‘Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.’”
These verses illustrate familial pride in a virtuous woman’s character and deeds. It celebrates the beauty of praising someone for their diligence, grace, and godliness—demonstrating how honoring others can reflect God’s approval.
19. 1 Samuel 2:1
“My heart rejoices in the Lord; in the Lord my horn is lifted high. My mouth boasts over my enemies, for I delight in your deliverance.”
Hannah’s praise is centered in the Lord, but it includes a righteous sense of joy and celebration in the fulfillment of God’s promise. Her expression of victory and gratitude reveals that it’s right to rejoice and take holy pride in God’s work through and for others.
20. Romans 1:8
“First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world.”
Paul takes joy and expresses thanks for the Roman believers whose faith has become widely known. His spiritual pride in them is rooted in their testimony. This verse illustrates how being proud of others for their faith can inspire and encourage believers across the globe.
21. 1 Corinthians 16:17-18
“I was glad when Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus arrived, because they have supplied what was lacking from you. For they refreshed my spirit and yours also. Such men deserve recognition.”
Paul expresses appreciation and pride in faithful individuals who serve and encourage others. His commendation shows that acknowledging and being proud of someone’s spiritual support and dedication is biblical and edifying to the community.
22. 2 Corinthians 5:12
“We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again, but are giving you an opportunity to take pride in us, so that you can answer those who take pride in what is seen rather than in what is in the heart.”
Paul gives the Corinthians reason to be proud of him and his companions—not in worldly appearance, but in sincerity and heart. This verse teaches that taking pride in others’ godly integrity is far more meaningful than external success.
23. 2 Timothy 1:5
“I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.”
Paul celebrates Timothy’s generational faith, recognizing the influence of godly women in his life. This verse models how we can be proud of someone’s spiritual heritage and how it continues to bear fruit through their own faith.
24. Philippians 4:1
“Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!”
Paul calls the believers his joy and crown, showing his deep affection and pride in their steadfastness. This imagery captures the depth of spiritual pride one can feel in others who remain faithful to the Lord.
25. Proverbs 23:24-25
“The father of a righteous child has great joy; a man who fathers a wise son rejoices in him. May your father and mother rejoice; may she who gave you birth be joyful!”
This proverb celebrates parental pride in a righteous and wise child. It beautifully illustrates how godly pride and rejoicing over someone’s character and wisdom is deeply rooted in Scripture and family blessing.
26. John 3:29
“The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete.”
John the Baptist expresses joy and fulfillment in seeing Christ’s ministry flourish. His attitude demonstrates how we can find holy pride and joy in the success of others, especially when it fulfills God’s purposes.
27. 2 Corinthians 1:14
“As you have understood us in part, you will come to understand fully that you can boast of us just as we will boast of you in the day of the Lord Jesus.”
Paul speaks of a mutual boasting in Christ between him and the believers. This holy pride isn’t rooted in ego but in shared faith and eternal hope. It shows that believers can rightly rejoice in one another’s spiritual journeys.
28. Acts 20:24
“However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.”
While this verse emphasizes Paul’s personal calling, it can inspire righteous pride in those who are committed to faithfully running their spiritual race. Being proud of someone’s unwavering dedication to God’s mission is deeply appropriate and encouraging.
29. 1 Corinthians 9:2
“Even though I may not be an apostle to others, surely I am to you! For you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.”
Paul identifies the Corinthians as the evidence of his ministry. His pride in them confirms the effectiveness of his calling. This verse validates how spiritual leaders can find encouragement and pride in the fruit of their labor—faithful believers.
30. 1 Thessalonians 3:7-9
“Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith. For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord. How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you?”
Paul’s heart is lifted by the strength of the Thessalonian believers, even amid hardship. This verse perfectly captures the godly emotion of being proud and grateful for those who remain steadfast in faith, bringing encouragement and joy to others.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are several instances of godly pride in the Bible—times when Christians rejoice in the obedience, maturity, and faith of others. These acts of affirmation, whether they come from a mentor praising a disciple’s spiritual development or a parent expressing pride in a smart kid, are based on humility and love. They show a heart that values the spiritual advancement brought about by obedient living and celebrates what God is accomplishing through His people.
Biblical pride in others does not entail praising them or claiming credit for their accomplishments. Rather, it’s about recognizing the proof of God’s influence in their life and motivating them to keep going on their spiritual path. This was frequently demonstrated by the apostle Paul, who expressed gratitude and delight at the tenacity and maturity of other Christians. His example serves as a reminder that genuine adoration can strengthen the body of Christ and strengthen our bonds with one another.
In the end, we acknowledge God Himself as the origin of all growth when we display godly pride. By honoring the virtues, accomplishments, and obedience of others, we emulate Christ, who takes great pleasure in seeing His people prosper. Let these lines from the Bible encourage you to praise God for the work He is doing in the lives of people around you.
