30 Bible Verses About Smiling (With Commentary)

Smiling is a powerful weapon that can brighten up someone’s day in an instant. While we may feel like our own happiness in life is entirely up to us, it helps to know that the Bible encourages us to take modivation from the divine and smile through the good times and will still be there whenever we face difficult times.

Here are some inspiring bible verses about smiling that will serve as reminders to always have faith and embrace joy.

Bible Verses About Smiling

Proverbs 15:13

“A joyful heart makes a cheerful face, but with a heartache comes depression.”

This proverb speaks to the correlation between our inner emotions and outer expressions. A joyful heart reflects in a cheerful countenance, that is, a smile. It’s an intrinsic human phenomenon – our feelings, particularly joy, manifest physically. On the flip side, it alludes to how internal turmoil or pain can lead to depression, erasing any semblance of a smile. Life’s complexities teach us this dichotomy, pushing us to pursue joy, which naturally culminates in smiles, while acknowledging the reality of pain.

Psalms 126:2-3

“Then our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then they said among the nations, ‘The Lord has done great things for us.’”

Within this Psalm, the writer recounts the joyous experience of Israel’s restoration. The inexplicable happiness led to laughter, which is the ultimate expression of joy, and their mouths brimmed with songs of praise. The nations, on observing their joy, acknowledged God’s goodness. This emphasizes the power of infectious happiness and smiles, demonstrating God’s favor and causing others to recognize His work.

Job 8:21

“He will once again fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.”

In this statement, Bildad assures Job of God’s intervention and restoration. Even though Job was going through a torrid time, his friend Bildad affirms that the season of grief will pass, and laughter will once again be part of his life. It’s a poignant reminder for us all that no matter the adversities, there will always be a reason to smile again.

Proverbs 17:22

“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”

This scripture ties joyfulness to health and wellbeing. The metaphor of a cheerful heart serving as a medicine highlights the restorative and healing power of joy. It’s an embodiment of the philosophy that happiness, often expressed through smiles, has an uplifting impact, not only on our spirits but also on our physical health.

Psalms 16:11

“You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”

In Psalm 16, David confesses that true joy comes from the presence of God. It is this divine joy that sparks genuine smiles. The presence of God illuminates the path of life, filling us with joy and offering eternal pleasures. Here, the focus is on the joy that transcends temporal pleasures and gives rise to deep-rooted happiness.

Luke 6:21

“Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.”

Jesus, in His Sermon on the Mount, comforts those in distress by promising future joy. This verse exhibits a profound shift from sorrow to joy. The promise of satisfaction and laughter reassures those undergoing trials that their current situation is temporary. Eventually, they will smile and laugh, demonstrating God’s redemptive power.

Psalms 30:5

“For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.”

In this Psalm, David emphasizes God’s mercy and everlasting favor. It contrasts God’s fleeting anger with his enduring favor. The verse depicts an optimistic picture where despair, symbolized by night, is replaced by joy (the morning). The promise of rejoicing and, by extension, smiling, provides solace to those enduring tribulation.

Proverbs 31:25

“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.”

This verse from the virtuous woman’s description embodies a confidence rooted in faith. Armed with strength and dignity, she can smile and laugh at the future, unafraid of what it holds. The text symbolizes an unwavering trust in God, affirming that a faith-filled heart can smile, even in the face of uncertainty.

2 Corinthians 6:10

“Sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.”

Here, Paul juxtaposes paradoxical states of his apostolic experience. Despite his sorrowful and impoverished condition, he continually rejoices, enriches many, and possesses everything in spiritual terms. This verse serves as a testament to the joyous resilience found in faith, which fuels the ability to smile amidst adversities.

Ecclesiastes 3:4

“A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.”

The verse underscores life’s cyclical nature, consisting of seasons of sorrow and joy. It’s a reminder that just as there are moments of tears and mourning, there are also moments for laughter and dance. Such is life’s rhythm, and recognizing this helps us appreciate the smiles when they come and endure the tears knowing they’ll pass.

Philippians 4:4

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”

This Pauline exhortation underscores the continuous state of joy Christians should inhabit. This constant rejoicing inherently involves smiles. It’s not dependent on circumstances but is rooted in the divine relationship with the Lord. In this context, a Christian’s smile is a testament to their unwavering joy in God, regardless of life’s vicissitudes.

Isaiah 61:3

“To bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.”

The prophet Isaiah speaks of God’s transformative power that converts mourning into joy, despair into praise. This spiritual transition, marked by the exchange of ashes for beauty, leads to joy expressed through smiles. It underlines the redemptive power of God, capable of turning sorrowful faces into joyous ones.

Nehemiah 8:10

“The joy of the LORD is your strength.”

In this verse, Nehemiah communicates a profound spiritual truth to the people: God’s joy serves as their strength. This joy equips them to face any challenge, inevitably causing smiles to bloom. It’s a reminder that a relationship with God imbues us with a strength that not only steadies us in trials but also enables us to remain joyful.

Psalms 100:2

“Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.”

This verse is a call to worship, exhorting believers to serve the Lord with gladness and come into His presence with songs. This gladness is expressed outwardly through smiles and joyous singing, emphasizing that our worship should be cheerful and heartening. It’s a potent reminder that our relationship with God should be filled with joy, not drudgery.

Romans 12:12

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”

Here, Paul outlines a tripartite spiritual duty: joyfulness in hope, patience in affliction, and faithfulness in prayer. These aspects work together, each contributing to a cheerful disposition. Joyful hope entails an optimistic outlook, which is often physically manifested through smiles. The verse encourages believers to maintain their joy even when faced with difficulties.

Matthew 5:12

“Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

In this verse, Jesus comforts His disciples amidst persecution, assuring them of their heavenly reward. He prompts them to rejoice and be glad, even in the face of adversity. This suggests that the prospect of divine reward can inspire joy and a smile, irrespective of present struggles.

Proverbs 15:23

“A man finds joy in giving an apt reply – and how good is a timely word!”

This proverb stresses the satisfaction derived from a well-timed, appropriate response. Such an interaction not only brings joy to the speaker but likely elicits smiles all around. The verse conveys the notion that the ability to communicate effectively and helpfully is a source of joy and, subsequently, of smiles.

Proverbs 10:28

“The prospect of the righteous is joy, but the hopes of the wicked come to nothing.”

This verse juxtaposes the outcomes of the righteous and the wicked, associating the righteous with joy. It implies that righteous living, in accordance with divine principles, generates hope and joy, expressed through smiles. It serves as a reminder that righteousness paves the way to a future filled with smiles and happiness.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Here, Paul provides a comprehensive directive for Christians: constant rejoicing, ceaseless prayer, and gratitude in every situation. The command to rejoice “always” encourages a persistent state of joy, visible in smiles and laughter. It emphasizes that joy should not be circumstantial, but an integral aspect of Christian life.

Psalms 118:24

“This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

The Psalmist proclaims joy and gladness in the day given by the Lord. By acknowledging God’s gracious hand in every day, believers find a reason to rejoice and smile. The verse provides a powerful mantra for daily living, urging us to welcome each day with joy and a smile, seeing it as God’s gift.

Romans 15:13

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Paul’s prayer for the Roman believers encapsulates the divine source of joy and peace – the God of hope. As believers trust in Him, they are filled with joy and peace, leading to an overflow of hope. This inner joy naturally expresses itself through smiling, a physical manifestation of the internal peace and joy found in trust in God.

James 1:2-3

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”

James exhorts believers to adopt an unconventional perspective towards trials – to consider them pure joy. The rationale is that these trials test and refine faith, leading to perseverance. This call to rejoice amidst trials suggests that smiles and joy needn’t be contingent on circumstances, but can stem from an understanding of spiritual growth.

1 Peter 1:8-9

“Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy.”

In his epistle, Peter captures the essence of faith – loving and believing in Jesus, unseen. This faith fills believers with “inexpressible and glorious joy”. Such joy, even in the absence of physical sight, is potent and impactful, often leading to visible expressions of happiness like smiling.

Psalms 144:15

“Blessed are the people of whom this is true; blessed are the people whose God is the LORD.”

This verse highlights the blessed state of those whose God is the Lord. The concept of being “blessed” carries with it an inherent sense of joy and satisfaction, often outwardly visible in the form of smiles. Acknowledging God as Lord brings joy and blessings that transcend temporal circumstances.

Isaiah 35:10

“And those the LORD has rescued will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.”

Isaiah prophesies about the joyous return of the rescued to Zion. This joy is depicted as so overwhelming that it overtakes them, causing sorrow and sighing to flee. The image of joy overtaking them suggests an abundance of smiles and laughter, a celebration of divine deliverance.

2 Corinthians 7:4

“I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation.”

Here, Paul expresses an unusual joy in the midst of tribulation. His joy, born from understanding the purpose and outcomes of the trials, surpasses his present sufferings. It demonstrates that our inward state can maintain joy and express it outwardly, through smiles, even in the face of trials.

Galatians 5:22

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.”

Paul lists joy as a fruit of the Spirit, implying that the indwelling Spirit cultivates this joy in believers’ lives. This joy naturally leads to expressions of happiness such as smiles. As a result, a life led by the Spirit should reflect joy, and subsequently, smiles as part of its very fabric.

Psalms 32:11

“Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, you righteous; shout for joy, all you upright in heart.”

The Psalmist urges the righteous to be glad in the Lord and rejoice. This outward expression of joy, even to the point of shouting, would undoubtedly include smiles. The verse encapsulates the notion that a relationship with God and a righteous life breed a profound sense of joy that is hard to conceal.

Romans 14:17

“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”

Paul emphasizes that the kingdom of God is about righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. This joy, being a component of the divine kingdom, is inherently expressive, resulting in smiles. It underlines the premise that the spiritual life is not merely about religious formalities, but experiencing the joy that the Holy Spirit imparts.

Zephaniah 3:17

“The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”

Zephaniah affirms God’s presence with His people, His delight in them, and His rejoicing over them. The picture of God taking delight in and rejoicing over His people is powerful and comforting. If God rejoices over us, how much more should we, as recipients of His love, express our joy outwardly through our smiles!