"The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want."
Ten words a child can memorize — everything you need is cared for by your Shepherd.
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short encouraging Bible verses · KJV
19 Short Encouraging Bible Verses (KJV) to Read in Seconds
When comfort has to fit between one hard thing and the next, a short verse is better than a long one. These are some of the shortest encouraging verses in the King James Version — most come in under fifteen words, and none runs longer than a single memorizable sentence. Read one in the five seconds you have, choose the one that fits tonight, and memorize it by morning. Every verse is public domain, so copying it into a message costs nothing and shares what you found.
Reviewed 2026-09-24 · King James Version (public domain) · Free to copy & share
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The first verse below is short enough to read right now and memorize by morning. Tap Copy on any card to share it in one tap.
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Under ten seconds
"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
A short anchor verse for moments when you feel unable to keep going.
Read first
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"What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee."
Nine words for scared moments — when afraid, choose trust. Simple enough for any child.
Read first
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When you are ready for more
"Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you."
Every care, not just the big ones — because the reason is personal: He cares for you.
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"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."
When trouble is already here — God as refuge you can run to right now.
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"In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."
Bring God into every decision — and He takes responsibility for the direction.
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"Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong."
Short and bracing — stand firm, act with courage, be strong in the faith.
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"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."
One step of light at a time — God's Word shows the next step when the road is dark.
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"Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come."
Strength worn like clothing — and a future worth rejoicing over. For every weary mother.
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"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding."
When your own understanding runs out — trust with the whole heart, not half.
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"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might."
Strength borrowed, not manufactured — be strong in the Lord and His mighty power.
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"The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles."
Crying out is not weakness — it is the trigger for God hearing and delivering.
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"The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble."
Pressed down by people or problems — God is a refuge built for exactly these times.
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"Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD."
Courage plus hope in God equals a strengthened heart — that is the whole equation.
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"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee."
Perfect peace has an address — the mind fixed on God instead of spiraling worries.
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"What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?"
One question that reframes every opposition — the God of the universe is on your side.
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"The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him."
On your worst day God is still good — a fortress, and He knows you by name inside it.
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"The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit."
Brokenhearted is exactly where God draws near — you do not have to hold it together first.
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"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."
Names fear as not from God — and what is from Him instead: power, love, a steady mind.
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Why these help
How to use these short encouraging Bible verses
These short encouraging Bible verses were chosen for one moment: when you cannot read a long article. Read the first three above in under ten seconds. Keep the one that names your day most honestly — fear, grief, exhaustion, waiting — and copy it to your phone. Every verse is King James Version, public domain, with a one-line plain explanation so older words like “thee” never block the comfort.
For yourself
Read one verse morning and night for three days. Short verses loop best: Psalm 56:3 for fear, Psalm 23:1 for provision, Philippians 4:13 for strength. Write it on a note where you will see it.
For someone else
Tap Copy and paste into a text with no lecture attached. One verse sent at night is often re-read for years. If they face illness, send ourverses for cancer patients; if it is a friend, use short verses for friends.
Related: short verses ·positive verses ·daily verses ·KJV collection ·hard times
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Read these →FAQ
Questions about short encouraging Bible verses
What is a good short encouraging Bible verses to read right now?
Start with Psalm 23:1 — “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.” Ten words a child can memorize — everything you need is cared for by your Shepherd.
Are these short encouraging Bible verses free to share?
Yes. KJV is public domain. Tap Copy on any card above to copy verse + reference, then paste anywhere. No sign-up, no fee.
How do I memorize one fast?
Read it 3× out loud, say it once without looking. Keep it for 3 days, morning and night.
Where next?
Browse all encouraging verses, hard times, or full FAQ for grief, weariness, illness and worry.
Send one of these to someone tonight
Tap Copy on any verse above and paste it into a message. Scripture is free to share.
Reviewed 2026-09-24 · Scripture from the King James Version (public domain)