What is a biblical definition of success? What does the Bible say about success?

TL;DR:

Worldly success is temporal; living for God provides eternal success. A successful Christian life is one centered on God; loving and honoring Him motivates everything else.

The world defines success mainly by measuring the amount of wealth, power, and popularity a person obtains in this world. Worldly definitions of success are deceptive and tragic. They focus on what is fleeting and what often leads to destruction. Focusing on worldly success ignores what is lasting and eternal (Job 7:7; Psalm 102:3; Hebrews 11:25; James 4:14). On the contrary, the Bible defines success in terms of what is spiritual and lasting and ends in eternal life and joy (Matthew 6:19–20; John 3:16; 15:11). Whereas worldly success is centered on the promotion and gratification of ourselves, biblical success is centered on obedience to and glorification of God (Romans 13:14; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Galatians 5:16). Success is obedience to God, empowered by the Spirit of God, motivated by love for God, and directed toward the advancement of the kingdom of God.

from the old testament

Success is often directly linked to obeying God's commands. For example, in Joshua 1:7–8, God tells Joshua that prosperity and success will follow if he remains obedient to the Law and meditates on it day and night: "Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go."
In Deuteronomy 28:1–2, God promises success to the Israelites if they obey His commandments.
Success is about living in a way that honors God and reflects His character, rather than achieving worldly accolades, material gain, or power. Proverbs 21:21 says: "Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor."

from the new testament

Worldly definitions of success are notoriously short-sighted and, if followed, end in misery (Matthew 16:26; Luke 12:20; 16:25).
Worldly success is centered on the promotion and gratification of ourselves, but biblical success is centered on obedience to and glorification of God (Romans 13:14; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Galatians 5:16).
Success begins with obeying God's command to repent and believe in Jesus Christ (Mark 1:15; Acts 19:4; 20:21).
True success is about believing, loving, and obeying God. It is focusing on that which is eternal rather than on that which is temporary. It is being transformed by the work of God in our lives, minds, and hearts (Romans 12:2; 2 Corinthians 3:18).
By living Christ-like lives, spreading the good news of the gospel, and making disciples, we participate with God in the advancement of His kingdom (Matthew 28:18–20; John 15:15–17).
Any degree of victory or success we achieve is attributable to the grace of God working in us for our good and His glory (Romans 8:28; 16:27; 1 Corinthians 15:10; Ephesians 2:8–10); it is not from ourselves.
Humility, including a willingness to serve God and others, is perhaps the most important attribute in the kingdom of God and the one most likely to end in true biblical success (Mark 9:35; Philippians 2:4–11).

implications for today

God delights to give good gifts to His children, even including material things. Jesus talked about not being anxious for physical needs in Matthew 6. He said, "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you" (Matthew 6:33). There is nothing wrong with having worldly wealth; the error comes when we begin to value worldly things above God, when we worship the gift rather than the Giver. First Timothy 6:10–12 says, "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses." It is not money or status that is the issue, but the love of those things. Focusing our hearts on God and allowing Him to do His transforming work in us are what count for true, biblical success.

understand

Success in God’s eyes is different than worldly success.
Success is living God’s way with kingdom values.
Seeking God first allows us to live a successful life instead of seeking temporal accomplishments.

reflect

How do you define success in your own life? How does your current definition of success compare to the biblical definition of success?
In what areas of your life do you need to shift your focus from worldly success to how God defines success?
How can you cultivate humility and a willingness to serve in your daily life, and why is this so important for achieving true biblical success?

engage

What is the difference between God’s definition of success and success in the eyes of the world?
How can we support each other in focusing on eternal success rather than temporary achievements?
What are some practical steps we can take to seek God first in our lives, especially in areas where we may be tempted to prioritize worldly success?