10 Inspiring Back-to-School Bible Verses to Start the Year Right
Ready for a new school year? Explore ten inspiring back-to-school Bible verses that can guide and inspire students, teachers, and parents!
The back-to-school season is here, and it brings so much pressure to moms and kids alike.
There are so many things to think about; getting good grades and making friends–or at least not fighting with brothers and sisters if you’re a homeschooler!
In modern days, parents are also concerned about their children’s safety, and who and what they’ll be exposed to in a classroom.
Even if your children attend a private or Christian school, they can still fall in with bad influences.
But as Christian mamas, we have an even greater desire for our kids. We want them to come to know Jesus Christ as their Savior and serve Him always.
In reality, the other stuff doesn’t matter much.
Our focus should always be on Jesus first, and we should be pointing our kids toward Him.
Mama, are you longing for a few quiet minutes with Jesus?
Grab the free printable Busy Mom’s Quiet Time Jumpstart to guide you to a peace-filled heart and home in 10 minutes a day!
10 Inspiring Back-to-School Bible Verses
It’s essential to start the academic year with a firm foundation of faith. Here are 10 inspiring Bible verses that can guide and uplift students, parents, and teachers as we head into a new year!
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
As we head out the door, or to the kitchen table to start this new year, none of us knows what will happen by the end.
However, we do serve a powerful God Who knows all things, and we can trust Him.
When things become challenging or uncertain, we can lean on Him and allow Him to lead us in the right way.
Proverbs 16:16
How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!
As parents, we want to know that our kids are learning all the things they need to know to succeed in life.
But the most important thing they need is wisdom from God. Gaining God’s wisdom will prepare students for success in life even beyond school.
This verse is powerful for parents and teachers, too.
We never outgrow the need for God’s Word to help us grow in wisdom and knowledge.
Isaiah 41:10
Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
No matter what stress or challenges we face in a new semester, a new school day or a whole new school year, we can have the peace of God in our hearts.
This verse reminds us that we have no need to be afraid as long as He is with us–and He always is!
He gives parents and teachers the strength to lead and guide school students and homeschoolers toward Him.
And He gives students the strength to face their fears and do hard things for His glory.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
No matter how well we prepare, no school year is ever perfect.
We can buy all the right pencils, choose the right curriculum, make all the best school decisions, and still things won’t always go our way.
A middle school student may struggle to find friends, while a high school teen may not understand chemistry.
Even homeschooling doesn’t provide the perfect environment all the time. Moms lose their temper, siblings fight and morning time is cut short.
But God’s will for us (students, parents, and teachers) is to be thankful in everything.
The fresh start of a new school year is a great reminder to be grateful for the opportunities for growth that school time brings.
Related: 17 Gratitude Activities for Kids to Encourage Thankfulness
Galatians 6:9
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Our kids will face difficulties in the coming school year. And they often want to give up. (Don’t we all?)
They need us to remind them that hardships and difficulties happen, but God is using them to grow our faith and teach us to thrive in the fruit of the Spirit.
Perseverance matters, and when they don’t give up, they will reap the reward, whether it be conquering a bad attitude, learning the formula, or developing good habits.
God is at work in all we do, and our children as well.
Ephesians 4:32
And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.
Our world can use a lot more kindness and love.
We should encourage our kids to reach out to someone who may seem lonely or doesn’t have any friends.
Start children off on the right path in life by teaching them to be kind and forgiving.
An attitude of kindness applies even to homeschooling, and possibly even more so since we’re often meaner to those we know the best!
Philippians 3:13-14
Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Setting goals and striving to reach them is important.
We should encourage our kids to pursue great things in their academic pursuits, but also spiritually, as well.
And adults aren’t off the hook on this one!
Paul, the writer of Philippians made it very clear that he did not think he was finished.
Although he had a wonderful ministry and led many people to the Lord, he was still striving to do more for God.
You and I certainly haven’t “arrived” either! We can and should lead by example by continuing to work to fulfill the calling God has placed on our lives.
Matthew 23:11-12
But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.
If you’ve ever watched kids line up for a drink at the water fountain, you know that every single one of them wants to be first.
It’s human nature to want to be the greatest, the most important, and the first in line.
But that’s not God’s way!
The Holy Bible instructs us to have an attitude of humility.
In His kingdom, the greatest of all is a servant who uses their skills and abilities to serve others. Servanthood is where true greatness lies.
Joshua 1:9
Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
Joshua was arguably one of the bravest men in the Word of God.
He led the children of Israel to victory as they conquered the Promised Land.
But God told Joshua over and over again to have courage because God was with him.
Our students, too, can take courage in the fact that God is always with them.
If He can lead Joshua into battle, He can certainly stand by us in all our fears and insecurities!
Matthew 11:28-30
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
We live in a fast-paced run, run, run world.
But God never intended for it to be that way.
We see from the very beginning of time that He took a day of rest.
Encourage your students to take some time to rest in God’s love.
It may mean they don’t take on so many extracurricular activities, or they put down the phone at eight o’clock at night.
Or they can go to the extreme of literally taking some time to nap!
God’s Word is a great place to go when daily life gets to be too much.
You can rest in God’s promises and His amazing love for you.
Related: 57 Heartfelt Bible Verses for Your Homeschool
19 Great Scripture Quotations for the Start of a New School Year
None of us can know what lies ahead. Every school year is filled with ups and downs and challenges.
They are unique to each family and even to a particular school year.
The best way to be prepared for whatever happens is to have a solid foundation of great Scriptures to guide you through the year.
Sometimes life feels like an emotional roller coaster, but the Words of God are always there to lead and guide us in the way we should go.
Use these Bible verses on the first day of school and year-round to encourage your kids and yourself to follow God and seek His will.
Remind yourself often that God has seen you through past years, and He won’t fail you now.
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.
Proverbs 1:7
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
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.
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.
1 Corinthians 15:58
Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.
Philippians 4:6-7
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
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.
Luke 6:31
And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.
Colossians 3:23
And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
1 Timothy 4:12
Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
James 1:5
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
Proverbs 4:23
Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.
Romans 8:28
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Matthew 6:33
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
1 Peter 5:7
Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
Put It Into Action
As the new school year begins, let’s remember the power and relevance of Bible verses. They provide a foundation of faith, wisdom, and guidance for students, teachers, and parents alike.
Take some time to reflect on these verses, and incorporate them into your daily routine. May they bring you strength, inspiration, and a reminder of God’s presence throughout the school year ahead!
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