In a world filled with promises of peace and safety, we often long for comfort and stability. Yet, Scripture warns us not to be misled by surface-level security.
The phrase when they say peace and safety, taken from 1 Thessalonians 5:3, is a prophetic reminder that real peace doesn’t come from governments or worldly systems—it comes from God alone.
This verse warns of sudden destruction when people least expect it, urging believers to stay spiritually awake and ready.
In this blog post, we’ll explore 35 Bible verses that speak to the ideas of false security, true peace in Christ, spiritual readiness, and the return of Jesus. These verses offer wisdom for discerning the times and strength for living faithfully in a world full of distraction and deception.
1. 1 Thessalonians 5:3
While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them…
Explanation:
This verse warns that a false sense of peace can blind people to impending judgment. Believers are called to be alert and watchful.
2. Matthew 24:42
Therefore stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.
Explanation:
Jesus urges us to live with spiritual awareness, knowing that His return will be unexpected.
3. Luke 21:34
But watch yourselves… lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness…
Explanation:
Distraction and complacency can cause us to miss what God is doing. We must stay alert.
4. 2 Timothy 4:3–4
For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching…
Explanation:
Many will chase comforting lies instead of truth. We must stay grounded in God’s Word.
5. Ezekiel 13:10
…saying, ‘Peace,’ when there is no peace…
Explanation:
False prophets gave people a fake sense of security. This still happens today, and we must discern truth.
6. Jeremiah 6:14
They have healed the wound of my people lightly, saying, ‘Peace, peace,’ when there is no peace.
Explanation:
Superficial solutions don’t bring real healing. Only God can provide lasting peace.
7. John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you…
Explanation:
Jesus offers a deeper peace that the world cannot replicate or take away.
8. Philippians 4:7
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts…
Explanation:
True peace doesn’t always make sense to the world—it’s rooted in trust in Christ.
9. Isaiah 26:3
You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you…
Explanation:
Lasting peace comes from focusing on God, not the chaos around us.
10. Matthew 24:6
And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed…
Explanation:
Fearful times don’t surprise God. He calls us to stay calm and faithful.
11. 2 Thessalonians 2:3
Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come unless the rebellion comes first…
Explanation:
A falling away will precede Christ’s return. Discernment is crucial in the end times.
12. Mark 13:33
Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come.
Explanation:
Spiritual readiness is essential. The Lord could return at any moment.
13. Revelation 3:3
If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief…
Explanation:
God warns the church not to grow lazy. His return demands watchfulness.
14. 2 Peter 3:10
But the day of the Lord will come like a thief…
Explanation:
Judgment will be swift and unexpected. Believers should live with urgency.
15. Psalm 4:8
In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.
Explanation:
Only God provides true safety—not systems, policies, or human promises.
16. Isaiah 48:22
“There is no peace,” says the Lord, “for the wicked.”
Explanation:
Without God, real peace is impossible. It’s a spiritual condition, not just an outward one.
17. Daniel 8:25
…he shall destroy many while they are at ease.
Explanation:
This prophecy warns that complacency can lead to destruction. We must remain spiritually sharp.
18. Matthew 10:34
I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.
Explanation:
Jesus challenges false peace. Following Him may create division—but it leads to true life.
19. Romans 13:11
For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed.
Explanation:
We’re getting closer to Christ’s return every day. Stay spiritually alert.
20. Ephesians 5:14
Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.
Explanation:
God calls us to wake up from spiritual slumber and live in His light.
21. Zephaniah 1:12
…I will search Jerusalem with lamps, and I will punish the men who are complacent…
Explanation:
God sees complacency as dangerous. He wants hearts that are fully alive to Him.
22. Isaiah 2:4
…neither shall they learn war anymore.
Explanation:
This verse points to the future kingdom of God—a peace that only He will establish.
23. 1 Corinthians 10:12
Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.
Explanation:
Confidence in worldly peace can lead to downfall. Stay humble and alert.
24. Revelation 6:4
…its rider was permitted to take peace from the earth…
Explanation:
During the end times, peace will be removed, revealing the world’s deep unrest.
25. 2 Corinthians 11:14
…even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.
Explanation:
Not all that seems good or peaceful comes from God. Spiritual discernment is essential.
26. Titus 2:13
…waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God…
Explanation:
Our hope is not in the world’s peace but in Christ’s return.
27. Amos 6:1
Woe to those who are at ease in Zion…
Explanation:
This verse warns against comfort without commitment. God calls His people to action.
28. Jeremiah 8:11
…‘Peace, peace,’ they say, when there is no peace.
Explanation:
False peace can lull people into spiritual sleep. Only God brings lasting peace.
29. Matthew 25:13
Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.
Explanation:
The parable of the ten virgins teaches us to be ready for Jesus’ return at all times.
30. Isaiah 57:21
There is no peace,” says my God, “for the wicked.”
Explanation:
This repeats an important truth—real peace comes only through righteousness.
31. Colossians 3:15
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts…
Explanation:
God’s peace isn’t circumstantial—it rules our hearts even when the world is in chaos.
32. 1 John 2:28
…so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink…
Explanation:
Staying faithful allows us to stand confidently when Jesus returns.
33. Micah 4:3
…they shall beat their swords into plowshares…
Explanation:
This is a vision of God’s ultimate peace—one that only He can establish.
34. Proverbs 3:5–6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart…
Explanation:
Putting our trust in God—not in worldly peace—brings real direction and security.
35. 1 Peter 5:8
Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls…
Explanation:
We’re in a spiritual battle. Peace doesn’t mean we stop being alert and wise.
Final Thoughts
The message behind bible verse when they say peace and safety is a powerful call to stay spiritually alert. The world may offer false promises of security, but Scripture reminds us that real peace comes only through a relationship with Jesus Christ.
These 35 verses urge us not to be lulled into spiritual sleep but to stand ready, anchored in God’s truth and promises.
Which verse spoke to you the most today? Have you experienced peace in uncertain times through God’s presence? Share your favorite scripture, thoughts, or testimony in the comments below—and encourage others to stay awake, stay faithful, and stay hopeful.