What is a good Bible verse to encourage a friend?

Proverbs 17:17, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity,” and 1 Thessalonians 5:11, “Therefore encourage and build one another up,” are both short enough for a small card.

What verse can I send to someone going through a hard time?

Isaiah 41:10, Isaiah 43:2 and 2 Corinthians 4:8–9 are often chosen. Psalm 30:5, “Weeping may stay the night, but joy comes in the morning,” is another.

What is an encouraging verse for a new job or a move?

Joshua 1:9, “Be strong and courageous,” and Deuteronomy 31:8, “The LORD Himself goes before you,” were both spoken to Joshua as he took on a new role.

What should I write besides the verse?

One or two specific sentences: something you have noticed about them, or what you are praying for them. For a friend who is struggling, add “No need to reply.”

Bible Verses for Encouragement Cards: 12 to Write by Hand

A handwritten verse in a card tells a friend you thought about them long enough to pick up a pen. Here are twelve encouraging verses from the Berean Standard Bible, grouped by what your friend is facing.

Short verses for a small card

Therefore encourage and build one another up, just as you are already doing. (1 Thessalonians 5:11, BSB)

Be strong and courageous, all you who hope in the LORD. (Psalm 31:24, BSB)

Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. (Galatians 6:9, BSB)

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. (Proverbs 17:17, BSB)

Proverbs 17:17 works well for a friend who has stood by you. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 suits a small group or a team you serve with.

For a friend in a hard season

Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10, BSB)

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you go through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched; the flames will not set you ablaze. (Isaiah 43:2, BSB)

Isaiah 43:2 promises God’s presence in the water and the fire. It does not promise your friend will avoid them, which is why it rings true to someone already in the middle of it.

We are hard pressed on all sides, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed. (2 Corinthians 4:8–9, BSB)

For His anger is fleeting, but His favor lasts a lifetime. Weeping may stay the night, but joy comes in the morning. (Psalm 30:5, BSB)

Because of the loving devotion of the LORD we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness! (Lamentations 3:22–23, BSB)

Lamentations was written after Jerusalem fell, and these two verses sit in the middle of the book’s grief. If the card is small, write only the second half of Psalm 30:5, “Weeping may stay the night, but joy comes in the morning,” and mark it as an excerpt.

For someone starting something new

Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9, BSB)

God says this to Joshua after Moses dies, as Joshua is about to lead Israel into the land. A good fit for a new job, a move or a first semester away from home.

The LORD Himself goes before you; He will be with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid or discouraged. (Deuteronomy 31:8, BSB)

being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:6, BSB)

Philippians 1:6 suits a friend who was just baptized, or anyone who feels they are growing too slowly.

Writing it in the card

Write the verse first, then the reference on its own line.
Add one specific sentence of your own, such as “I keep thinking about how you showed up for your mom this year.” It lands better than “Hang in there.”
For a friend who is struggling, “No need to reply” takes the pressure off.
Try the verse once on scrap paper so you know where the lines will break.

Writing cards for the holidays too? See our Thanksgiving verses for cards and Christmas verses for cards.

Practice first

The free lined copywork pages come in US Letter and A4 if you want to practice a verse before writing it in the card. Penned Grace lets you write scripture by hand, letter by letter, on iPhone, iPad or Android, with your finger or Apple Pencil. It is free to download.

Writing to someone who is ill or grieving? See Bible verses for the sick and sympathy Bible verses for cards.