A graduation card from family or a friend from church often carries a Bible verse. It is a way to say you are proud of the graduate and that you are praying for what comes next.
Below are 30 Bible verses for graduation, sorted by what you want to say to the graduate. Every verse is quoted from the New International Version (NIV).
Article contents
- How to Use a Bible Verse in a Graduation Card
- Short Graduation Bible Verses
- Bible Verses About the Future
- Bible Verses About Wisdom
- Bible Verses for Courage
- Graduation Blessings From Parents and Grandparents
- What to Write After the Verse
- Frequently Asked Questions
How to Use a Bible Verse in a Graduation Card
- Pick one verse. Choose one that fits the graduate and the step they are taking.
- Write it at the top. Put the verse in quotation marks with the reference below it, such as Proverbs 3:5-6.
- Congratulate them. Name the school or the achievement.
- Add a personal line. Say what you admire about them or pray for their next step.
- Close and sign. "So proud of you," "Love" or "Blessings" all work.
Example: "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) Dear Emma, congratulations on your graduation! We have loved watching you grow into such a kind and hardworking young woman. We are praying for you as you head off to college. Love, Grandma and Grandpa
Short Graduation Bible Verses
These fit on any card with room left for a note and a gift card.
- "I can do all this through him who gives me strength." (Philippians 4:13)
- "For we live by faith, not by sight." (2 Corinthians 5:7)
- "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path." (Psalm 119:105)
- "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans." (Proverbs 16:3)
- "Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." (Psalm 37:4)
- "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." (2 Timothy 4:7)
- "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:16)
- "In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps." (Proverbs 16:9)
Bible Verses About the Future
For a graduate who is not sure what comes next.
- "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" (Jeremiah 29:11)
- "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)
- "Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." (Proverbs 19:21)
- "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you." (Psalm 32:8)
- "For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." (Ephesians 2:10)
- "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland." (Isaiah 43:18-19)
- "You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand." (Psalm 16:11)
Bible Verses About Wisdom
For a graduate heading to college, a trade school or a first job.
- "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)
- "For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding." (Proverbs 2:6)
- "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." (Proverbs 4:23)
- "The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out." (Proverbs 18:15)
- "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." (Micah 6:8)
- "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity." (1 Timothy 4:12)
Bible Verses for Courage
For a graduate moving away, starting work or taking a big step.
- "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)
- "The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." (Deuteronomy 31:8)
- "I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:14)
- "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." (Colossians 3:23-24)
- "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10)
Graduation Blessings From Parents and Grandparents
A blessing works well at the end of a card from family.
- "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace." (Numbers 6:24-26)
- "Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it." (Proverbs 22:6)
- "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." (Romans 15:13)
- "May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed." (Psalm 20:4)
What to Write After the Verse
One of these lines will fit under any verse above.
- We are so proud of you, and we can't wait to see where God leads you next.
- Congratulations, graduate! Keep this verse close as you start your next chapter.
- All those late nights paid off. We thank God for you and pray for every step ahead.
- Watching you grow up has been such a gift to our family.
- Wherever you go next, you will always have a home to come back to.
- Praying for good friends, good teachers and a good church in your new town.
- This verse got me through my first year away from home. I hope it helps you too.
- We are proud of the diploma, and even prouder of the person you have become.
For more ideas, see our graduation wishes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good Bible verse for a graduation card?
Jeremiah 29:11 is the most used, followed by Proverbs 3:5-6 and Joshua 1:9. For a short card, Philippians 4:13 or Psalm 119:105 fit well.
What should I write in a Christian graduation card?
Start with a verse, congratulate the graduate, then add one line about who they are or a prayer for their next step. Sign with love or a blessing.
Is Jeremiah 29:11 a good graduation verse?
It is one of the most shared. It was first written to the people of Israel in exile, as a promise that God had not forgotten them. Christians often share it as a reminder that God is at work in the future too.
Which Bible translation are these verses from?
All of the verses on this page are from the New International Version (NIV).
Cards for Your Graduation Verses
Every Twigs Paper set is printed on 100% recycled paper and is blank inside, with room for a verse and a note.
- Christian Cross Greeting Cards: a cross design for graduation verses and blessings.
- Christian Cross Thank You Cards: for the graduate's thank you notes after the party.
See all of our Christian greeting cards and graduation cards.
