45 Bible Verses for High School Graduates in 2023

When we first think of Bible verses for graduation, usually Jeremiah 29:11 comes to mind. “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord…”

That promise is good to give, and yet there are SO many deep and meaningful scriptures that high school graduates can take to heart as they walk into their unknown future.

What is a good Bible verse for a high school graduate? 

Today I’m sharing 45 of the best Scriptures for graduating from high school and breaking them down into topics below so you can find the best verse to use for your graduate’s situation.

You can choose a favorite verse from this list to write in graduation cards that you are giving away.  They are also good choices for your student if they are writing a graduation message to share at their own ceremony (or need something to write on the top of a graduation hat)!

These Bible verses I’m sharing today will encourage, strengthen and comfort the high school graduate in your life as they make their way through the challenges of today’s world and desire to stay firm in their Christian faith.

45 Encouraging and Powerful Bible Verses for High School Graduates

Bible Verses for Graduates about God’s Plan

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. Ephesians 2:10

The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations. Psalm 33:11

May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. Psalm 20:4

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. Romans 8:28

Commit your way to the LORD; trust also in him, and he shall bring it to pass. Psalm 37:5

Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand. Proverbs 19:21

Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19

Bible Verses for Graduates about God’s Wisdom

I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you. Psalm 32:8

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:9

Who is like the wise? And who knows the interpretation of a thing? A man’s wisdom makes his face shine, and the hardness of his face is changed. Ecclesiastes 8:1

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7

Bible Verses for Graduates about Standing Firm

My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity. Proverbs 3:1-2

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Ephesians 6:10-13

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13

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. 1 Timothy 6:12

But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people because the Holy Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world. 1 John 4:4

Bible Verses for High School Graduates about Living Faithfully

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Colossians 4:2, 5-6

But a noble man makes honorable plans; he stands up for worthy causes. Isaiah 32:8

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. John 16:33

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11

The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 1 Timothy 1:5

Bible Verses for Graduates about Strength in Hard Times

One great blessing of Scripture is that it offers comfort in difficult times. As young adults, graduates will encounter trials and situations that challenge and sometimes discourage them. Remind them of God’s strength in uncertain times with the verses below! 

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and are safe. Proverbs 18:10 

The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for in God the Lord, we have an everlasting Rock. Isaiah 26:3-4

The LORD is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth. He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He will also hear their cry and will save them. Psalm 145:18-19

Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.” Then Moses called to Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you shall go with this people into the land which the Lord has sworn to their fathers to give them, and you shall give it to them as an inheritance. The Lord is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:6-8

It is well with the man who is gracious and lends; He will maintain his cause in judgment. For he will never be shaken; The righteous will be remembered forever. He will not fear evil tidings; His heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord. His heart is upheld, he will not fear… Psalm 112:5-8a

Bible Verses for Graduates about Having Peace

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. 2 Thessalonians 3:16

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 4:4-7

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12

 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

Bible Verses for Graduates about Abiding in Christ

To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5

Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4

With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! Psalm 119:10

The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. Isaiah 58:11

And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. Colossians 1:9-12

Best Bible Verses for Graduation Announcements

Maybe you’re designing your child’s graduation invitation and are looking for an inspirational Bible verse to include. You want to find that balance between celebrating your child’s hard work and also drawing attention to the fact that it is God who has done amazing things in their life! 

We are considering using the following graduation Bible verses for my son’s high school graduation next year:

1. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good deeds and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:16

2. Thy word is a lamp to my feet and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105

3. The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad. Psalm 126:3 (This is actually the verse we used on our wedding announcement so it would really be special to use it for his graduation scripture.)

4. And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6

5. But he’s already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. It’s quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love, and don’t take yourself too seriously—take God seriously. Micah 6:8 (This is one of our son’s favorite Bible verses and I like the way this is phrased in the Message translation)

How do you write a blessing for a graduate?

If you feel like it’s hard to find the right words to write in a graduation card, try these tips:

• Write a Scripture verse out as a prayer. For instance, if you chose the verse, “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart,” from Psalm 37:4, you could write the prayer “Lord, thank you for blessing (graduate’s name) with talents, wisdom and skills to carry into the next part of his/her life. As (name) graduates, help him/her to seek God’s will and follow the right path that You have for them to make this world a better place. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”
• Include a personal note with something specific you’ve noticed about the things God has done in his or her life.
• Simply write 2-3 encouraging verses from the list of Bible verses above inside the card and then sign your name.

What are some verses from God’s Word that you think are great to share with a new graduate? Feel free to share in the comments below!