Studying the bible is so underrated. I read the bible back to front for the first time when I was a freshman in high school, and since then, I find myself picking it up any time I need guidance, or support, or a little encouragement. You know how coffee makes you feel when you’re bleary-eyed and exhausted? The bible gives me the same sort of “boost” when I feel like my faith is shaking. When I started college, this didn’t change. I still find myself reading my daily devotional and praying (ok, begging) for a little more motivation, or maybe some courage, and sometimes, just luck - all three of which we could probably use a little more of in college. So here are my favorite bible verses for college students, new and returning, and when to use them — hopefully, you’ll find them as useful as I have.
For trust in God:
Psalms 25:1-5 — “O you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. O my God, in you I trust; let me not be put to shame; let not my enemies exult over me. Indeed, none who wait for you shall be put to shame; they shall be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous. Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.”
It’s easy to lose touch with faith once you go to school; there are so many distractions around that you have to make a real effort to keep up with your faith and your relationship with God. This is a good verse to remind us to keep our trust in God, and that he will provide for us always.
For wisdom:
Proverbs 17:27 — “Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.”
Remember when Voltaire said, “The more a man knows, the less he talks”? It’s easy to get caught up in arguments where all we do is throw words at each other. This verse reminds us to be mindful of what we say, and that there is more wisdom in silence.
For humility:
Philippians 2:3-4 — “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
Remember that your humility is one of your best weapons against ignorance. You’ll meet a lot of people in college. Be gracious, humble, and kind.
For resisting temptation:
1 Corinthians 10:12-13 — “So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”
I love this verse, because it’s such a solid reminder that, yes, we will face temptation, but God will never test us with something we cannot handle. My favorite line: “He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”
For academic success:
Ephesians 5:15-16 — “Be very careful, then, how you live — not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”
I’ll be honest — I underestimated the difficulty of my college coursework and ended up in way over my head. This is a good verse for being careful about what you take on, and about making the most of things that come your way. In college, you’ll have a lot of opportunities, so take them — but be wise, and know your limits.