The concept of boldness in the life of the righteous is a recurring theme throughout the Scriptures, reflecting a confidence and courage that stems from a deep faith in God. This boldness is not rooted in human strength or wisdom but in the assurance of God's presence and promises.

Old Testament Foundations

The Old Testament provides numerous examples of boldness among the righteous. Proverbs 28:1 states, "The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion." This verse highlights the stark contrast between the fearfulness of the wicked and the fearless confidence of the righteous, who trust in God's protection and justice.

One of the most notable examples is David, who, as a young shepherd, displayed remarkable boldness in confronting Goliath. In 1 Samuel 17:45, David declares to the Philistine giant, "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied." David's boldness was not in his own ability but in his unwavering faith in God's power and covenant.

New Testament Illustrations

In the New Testament, the boldness of the righteous is further exemplified through the apostles and early Christians. The book of Acts records numerous instances where the apostles, filled with the Holy Spirit, spoke the word of God with boldness despite persecution. Acts 4:13 notes, "When they saw the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they marveled and took note that these men had been with Jesus."

The Apostle Paul also exemplifies this boldness. In Ephesians 3:12, he writes, "In Him and through faith in Him we may enter God's presence with boldness and confidence." Paul's boldness in preaching the gospel, even in the face of imprisonment and suffering, was rooted in his faith in Christ and the assurance of his calling.

Theological Implications

The boldness of the righteous is deeply connected to their relationship with God. It is a boldness that arises from a clear conscience, a life aligned with God's will, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Hebrews 4:16 encourages believers, "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." This confidence in approaching God is a hallmark of the righteous, who trust in the sufficiency of Christ's atonement.

Practical Application

For believers today, the boldness of the righteous serves as both an encouragement and a challenge. It calls Christians to live lives of integrity and faith, trusting in God's promises and presence. This boldness is not reckless or arrogant but is characterized by humility and reliance on God. It empowers believers to stand firm in their convictions, share the gospel with courage, and face trials with unwavering faith.

In summary, the boldness of the righteous is a testament to the transformative power of faith in God. It is a boldness that transcends human limitations and is anchored in the eternal truths of Scripture.Proverbs 14:26
In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.
Nave's Topical Index

Proverbs 28:1
The wicked flee when no man pursues: but the righteous are bold as a lion.
Nave's Topical Index

Ephesians 3:12
In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.
Nave's Topical Index

Hebrews 4:16
Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Nave's Topical Index

Hebrews 10:19
Having therefore, brothers, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,
Nave's Topical Index

Hebrews 13:6
So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do to me.
Nave's Topical Index

1 John 2:28
And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.
Nave's Topical Index

1 John 4:17
Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.
Nave's Topical Index

It was Therefore Better for Me to Hide Myself, and to Wait for ...
... forasmuch as it written, A soft answer turneth away wrath,' and righteous thoughts
are ... that you, both now and in the day of judgment, may have boldness to say ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/35 it was therefore better.htm

Intrepid Bearing of St. Ambrose in the Presence of the Emperor ...
... Narrative of the other Righteous Deeds of this Saint. ... precincts, or partake of the
holy mysteries." The emperor, struck with admiration at the boldness of the ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of sozomenus/chapter xxv intrepid bearing of st.htm

"We have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous. ...
... and no sentence can pass against them, unless he succumb in his righteous cause
in ... and put back our petitions, and therefore we have not the boldness to offer ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xxvi we have an.htm

Of the Massacre of Thessalonica; the Boldness of Bishop Ambrosius ...
... Book V. Chapter XVII."Of the massacre of Thessalonica; the boldness of Bishop Ambrosius ...
find them wrong it will cancel the deeds; if they be righteous it will ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/chapter xvii of the massacre of.htm

The Torment of Fear
... Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment ...
a great sin, they can say, 'Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my ...
/.../kingsley/town and country sermons/sermon xxii the torment of.htm

As to the Charge that they Bring against Us...
... Whence also we may be sure that what is written concerning the day of judgment,
"Then shall the righteous man stand in great boldness before the face of such ...
/.../writings in connection with the donatist controversy /chapter 9 35 as.htm

Of the Judgment and Punishment of the Wicked
... For then shall the righteous man stand in great boldness before the face of such
as have afflicted him and made no account of his labours.(1) Then shall he ...
/.../kempis/imitation of christ/chapter xxiv of the judgment.htm

Love and Fear
... But the context suggests the application in his mind, for it is 'boldness before
him' about which he ... God is righteous; God righteously administers His universe ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/love and fear.htm

To Longinus, Archimandrite of Doliche.
... "against the wiles of error," escape the sins of the destroyer, and stand, though
with little boldness, in the day of the appearing before the righteous Judge. ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/cxxxi to longinus archimandrite of.htm

The Desire of the Righteous Granted;
... Psalm 143:7). So that God's presence is the desire of the righteous for this ... And
when the enemy saw the boldness of Peter and John, 'they took knowledge of ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the desire of the righteous.htm

What does the Bible say about assertiveness? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about courage? | GotQuestions.org

What is toxic masculinity? | GotQuestions.org

Boldness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus