NinefruitWhat is patience in the Bible?
Patience (Greek: makrothumia) is one of the nine fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23. The Greek word literally means 'long-tempered'. It's the ability to bear with people and wait on God without snapping, giving up or rushing ahead.
What patience looks like
- Letting people finish
- Waiting without grumbling
- Explaining again, kindly
Counterfeit: Silently seething while looking calm.
Opposite: A short fuse, rushing and giving up early.
15 Bible verses about patience
So, then, my beloved brothers, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger;
James 1:19 (WEB)
He who is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a quick temper displays folly.
Proverbs 14:29 (WEB)
Better is the end of a thing than its beginning. The patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.
Ecclesiastes 7:8 (WEB)
rejoicing in hope, enduring in troubles, continuing steadfastly in prayer,
Romans 12:12 (WEB)
with all lowliness and humility, with patience, bearing with one another in love,
Ephesians 4:2 (WEB)
Rest in Yahweh, and wait patiently for him. Don’t fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who makes wicked plots happen.
Psalm 37:7 (WEB)
Let’s not be weary in doing good, for we will reap in due season if we don’t give up.
Galatians 6:9 (WEB)
Be patient therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. Behold, the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient over it, until it receives the early and late rain.
James 5:7 (WEB)
A wrathful man stirs up contention, but one who is slow to anger appeases strife.
Proverbs 15:18 (WEB)
But if we hope for that which we don’t see, we wait for it with patience.
Romans 8:25 (WEB)
Wait for Yahweh. Be strong, and let your heart take courage. Yes, wait for Yahweh.
Psalm 27:14 (WEB)
The Lord is not slow concerning his promise, as some count slowness; but he is patient with us, not wishing that anyone should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
2 Peter 3:9 (WEB)
but those who wait for Yahweh will renew their strength. They will mount up with wings like eagles. They will run, and not be weary. They will walk, and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31 (WEB)
The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger. It is his glory to overlook an offense.
Proverbs 19:11 (WEB)
strengthened with all power, according to the might of his glory, for all endurance and perseverance with joy,
Colossians 1:11 (WEB)
3 ways to practise patience today
- The first pause: Do a 30-second Pause right now, then note what's been trying your patience lately.
- Before you speak: Next time you feel irritation rising, step away and do a Pause before you reply.
- Patience with people: Pick one person who tests you. Do a Pause before every conversation with them for two days.
In the Ninefruit app, the patience journey has five stages and its own tool, The Pause: Hold the circle while you breathe through a moment of frustration. Let go early and it gently resets.
A prayer for patience
Lord, slow me down, and give me Your patience with people and plans.
Is patience your strongest fruit, or your growing one? Take the free test.