33 Encouraging Back to School Bible Verses (by Topic)

As we get ready to send our kids back to school (or back to the cozy homeschool corner of your house), these back to school Bible verses are great pieces of Scripture to encourage your children and keep their hearts and their minds focused on God.

Pray these Bible verses for the school year over your child, or use them as encouragement and reminders that God wants us to seek him first and to be transformed into heavenly creatures wherever we find ourselves, including at school.

Be sure to also check out these 18 Powerful Back to School Prayers (with Bible verses + free printable prayer cards).

33 Encouraging Back to School Bible Verses

Here are 33 encouraging back to school Bible verses on topics such as seeking God first, keeping good company, having confidence, lifting your worries and anxiety up to God, and more. Use these bits of Scripture for beginning a new school year or throughout the year for encouragement and motivation.

Seek God First

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” – Matthew 6:33

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” – Matthew 22:37

“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” – Isaiah 30:21

Confidence

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9

“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:13

Stress/Anxiety

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7

“In God I trust and am not afraid. What can man do to me?” – Psalm 56:11

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” – Matthew 11:28-30

Keep Good Company

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you.” – Proverbs 4:23

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” – Romans 12:2

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17

“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.” – Proverbs 13:20

Wisdom and Provision

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” – James 1:5

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19

Work for the Glory of God

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” – 1 Corinthians 10:31

“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” – Galatians 1:10

“But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.’” – 1 Samuel 16:7

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” – Colossians 3:23

Cultivate Godly Characteristics

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” – Galatians 5:22-23

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” – Colossians 3:12

“For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.” – 1 Peter 3:17

“Do to others as you would have them do to you.” – Luke 6:31

“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge;and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.” – 2 Peter 1:5-8

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” – 1 Peter 5:6

“Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.” – Proverbs 10:9

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” – Ephesians 4:9

“Love your neighbor as yourself.” – Mark 12:31

Listen to the Word of God

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” – 2 Timothy 13:16-17

“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” – Proverbs 22:6

“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” – Psalm 119:105

The Kingdom of Heaven belongs to Little Children

“Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’” – Matthew 19:14