Bible verses for youth
The Bible takes young people seriously — and expects a lot from them. Paul tells Timothy to let no one despise his youth, but to be an example in word, conduct, love, faith and purity. Jeremiah tries to dodge his calling by saying "I am a child", and God answers that age is no excuse. Ecclesiastes asks us to remember the Creator in the days of youth, before the hard days come; Psalm 119 answers the question of how a young person keeps their way pure: by guarding the Word. The verses on this page are for the youth group, for confirmation, for camp, for high school graduation and for the choices made between fifteen and twenty-five — which tend to shape much of what comes after.
Let no man despise your youth; but be an example to those who believe, in word, in your way of life, in love, in spirit, in faith, and in purity.
Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come, and the years draw near, when you will say, “I have no pleasure in them;”
How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word.
But Yahweh said to me, “Don’t say, ‘I am a child;’ for you must go to whomever I send you, and you must say whatever I command you.
My son, don’t forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for they will add to you length of days, years of life, and peace.
Even the youths faint and get weary, and the young men utterly fall; but those who wait for Yahweh will renew their strength. They will mount up with wings like eagles. They will run, and not be weary. They will walk, and not faint.
It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth.
Flee from youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best-known verse for young people?
1 Timothy 4:12: "Let no man despise your youth; but be an example to those who believe, in word, in your way of life, in love, in spirit, in faith, and in purity".
Which verse works as a youth group motto or on a T-shirt?
Isaiah 40:31 ("they will mount up with wings like eagles"), Psalm 119:9 and Jeremiah 1:7 are short and work well as a motto.
How can young people start reading the Bible?
With the Gospel of Mark (short and direct), then Proverbs (one chapter per day of the month) and Psalms. See the guide "how to start reading the Bible" in the articles.
See also
Scripture text: World English Bible (WEB), public domain. Prayers, introductions and reflections: original text by this site, not affiliated with any denomination. Devotional content; it does not replace medical, psychological or legal advice.