Here are some back to school Bible verses since God’s Word should always accompany school supplies with a new school year. When I got this chance to write about back-to-school Bible verses, I immediately thought of my mother as she was a teacher. September and school season was her favorite time of year. As a young teacher, she taught fourth grade at a public school and read God’s Word to her students, back when it was still permitted. Later in life, as a mother, she taught some high school classes at a Christian school, and among other things, led school prayers. After she retired, she desired to help homeschooling families with their scholastic studies.
Whether or not you personally have school-aged children, a new academic year is an exciting time, but also sometimes scary as well for students, parents, and even teachers. May you find these back-to-school Bible verses helpful as you navigate your daily life, which includes school.
Back to School Bible Verses for a New School Season
Anything “new” can be exciting but also a bit daunting at the same time. Ask any elementary student about their new teachers! Here are some Bible verses which will help anyone facing new things like entering a new school year, the first day of school, or even a new year.
Joshua 3:4
“Yet there shall be a space between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure: come not near unto it, that ye may know the way by which ye must go: for ye have not passed this way heretofore.” (KJV)
At first glance, this may be an odd verse for a back-to-school Bible verse. The context of this verse is the children of Israel getting prepared to finally enter the Promised Land under the leadership of Joshua. They were to allow the Ark of God, that is, the very presence of God to go first because they had “not passed this way heretofore.” This was the first time they would enter this new land, and they needed the leadership of God. Each new chapter of our life is a “place”, each new grade, where we have not yet gone. Allow God to go first, and then follow Him.
Psalm 119:105
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” (KJV)
God’s Word is vitally important as it gives us direction. God’s Word does not show us our future, but God, using His Word, gives us “light” and direction for us to take the next few steps. For this reason, it is important to read a portion of God’s Word daily to receive that light. It is also a good idea for parents to start children on the right path by teaching them, both directly and by example, to begin each day by reading God’s word and to pray.
On a side note, this verse comes from the longest chapter in the Bible. Read the whole chapter of Psalm 119 here.
Back to School Bible Verses for Protection
School safety is always a concern, especially in this day and age. You cannot put your children, or yourself, into a bubble and prevent them from ever getting hurt. Before your boys or girls leave the house and while they are away, ask God to protect them. Here are some of God’s promises about His protection.
Proverbs 21:31
“The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD.” (KJV)
We should be careful and use common sense to keep us safe, but this verse tells us that ultimately, our safety is from God.
Psalm 34:7
“The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.” (KJV)
This verse promises deliverance by God’s angel, but only to those who fear God. It is important, even for our physical safety, to have a fear of God; that is, to be afraid of disobeying Him.
Back to School Bible Verses for School Decisions
Students in school have to make many decisions, and sometimes it is difficult for them to know what they should do. Here are some verses you can share with students to help them as they seek to make the right decisions for themselves.
Proverbs 3:5
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.“ (KJV)
Understanding what God expects from His children, and obeying His commandments, is trusting in Him. Even when we don’t understand how obeying Him will help us to make the right decisions, when we do trust in Him, He will guide us.
Proverbs 11:14
“Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.” (KJV)
This is a good verse to remind anyone who is facing a decision to ask more than just one person for input, advice, prayer, and counsel when facing a difficult decision.
Romans 12:2
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (KJV)
It is important for a child of God to be in God’s will. This verse, written by the Apostle Paul, reminds the reader to not be fashioned to the ways of ungodliness, but rather, use God’s Word so that their mind is cleansed and renewed in order to discern God’s will more clearly for them.
Proverbs 9:10
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.” (KJV)
The elements of wisdom and understanding are two vitally important components of spiritual growth. Being afraid to displease God and gaining knowledge of holy things will help students and adults in all facets of life.
Psalm 32:8
“I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.” (KJV)
God promises to give His instruction and His divine guidance, but He will not force His will on anyone. We have to be willing to accept God’s instruction.
Back to School Bible Verses for Peace of Mind
A peaceful and clear mind is important at any time in one’s life, and especially during any educational journey. May these verses from the word of God help give both you and those you love mental clarity in stressful situations.
2 Timothy 1:7
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (KJV)
Fear is not a Godly emotion. God wants His children to have a healthy and clear mind.
Philippians 4:7
“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (KJV)
Peace is a positive emotion. The peace that God offers is powerful and beyond our understanding.
Colossians 3:15
“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.” (KJV)
Having a personal relationship with God through His Son Jesus Christ, and striving to please and serve God, results in peace. Thank God for His wonderful peace!
Back to School Bible Verses about Teachers
Colossians 3:22
“Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God” (KJV)
God has placed teachers over students in the role of human masters. When students obey their teachers, they are also being obedient to God.
Psalm 119:99
“I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation.” (KJV)
Students who understand God’s Word are more knowledgeable about some things, especially spiritual ones, than even their teachers.
Back to School Bible Verses About Inward Beauty
School students want to look good, but better than being clothed in the latest styles is having God’s garments of salvation.
Isaiah 61:10
“I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.” (KJV)
God is for more interested in a person’s heart than what they wear.
1 Samuel 16:7
“But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.” (KJV)
A student who has God’s Holy Spirit in their heart should allow Him to work and they should show by their outward actions such things as this verse describes.
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” (KJV)
A good heart influences kind and gracious words that come out of a person’s mouth. However, corrupt talk reveals a corrupt heart.
Luke 6:45
“A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.” (KJV)
Back to School Bible Verses About Study
2 Timothy 2:15
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (KJV)
Studying hard is a good work and it is God’s plan as well. God wants His children to not only study their school lessons, but also, and even more importantly, His Word. The discipline and methods learned in studying other subjects for the goal of getting good grades, can be applied to studying God’s Word.
Ecclesiastes 12:12
“And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.” (KJV)
God also knows that mental exertion especially in the realm of academic pursuits, is hard work. Sometimes, you need to take a break!
May this sampling of back-to-school Bible verses encourage you to take God’s promises and the wisdom found in His Word, not only during the school season, but throughout all of your life.
Many times learning involves travel. Check out this article on Bible verses for safe travels.
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