"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15). The Bereans "searched the scriptures daily" (Acts 17:11). For exams, pray Proverbs 16:3, "Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established," and James 1:5: if any lack wisdom, "let him ask of God."
Whether you are cramming for finals, starting a new semester, or opening your Bible with a notebook, studying is hard work, and Scripture has a lot to say about it. God values learning, gives wisdom to those who ask, and calls His people to study His Word with care. These twelve King James verses are for both kinds of studying: studying the Bible, and studying for school, college, or a certification exam. For more on the mind, see renewing the mind; for educators, see teachers.
Studying the Word
1. 2 Timothy 2:15
"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
In 1611 English, study meant to be diligent or eager. Paul urges Timothy to work hard at handling God's word accurately, like a skilled workman. The verse fits Bible study and any diligent work done before God.
2. Acts 17:11
"These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so."
The Bereans received Paul's message eagerly, then checked it against the scriptures daily. Good Bible study combines an open heart with careful reading. Even good teachers should be checked against the text.
3. Ezra 7:10
"For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments."
Ezra prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach. Notice the order: study, obey, then teach. Study that never reaches the doing stays incomplete.
4. Joshua 1:8
"This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success."
Meditate therein day and night. God told Joshua that success would come from keeping His word in his mouth and mind. A verse reviewed daily becomes part of how you think.
Wisdom and learning
5. Proverbs 18:15
"The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge."
The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge. Wise people stay curious. Learning is not only for exams; it is a lifelong habit God commends.
6. Proverbs 2:3-5
"Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God."
Search for understanding as for hid treasures. Study takes effort, like digging for silver, but the reward is the fear of the LORD and the knowledge of God.
7. Daniel 1:17
"As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams."
God gave Daniel and his three friends knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom while they trained in the schools of Babylon. God can bless faithful students in secular classrooms.
8. James 1:5
"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives liberally and upbraideth not. Pray before you study and before the test. God does not scold you for asking.
For students and exams
9. Proverbs 16:3
"Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established."
Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established. Before an exam, hand your preparation and the result to God. Committing your work to Him steadies racing thoughts.
10. Colossians 3:23
"And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;"
Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord. Homework, papers, and late-night review can all be offered to God. Doing your best for Him is different from being driven by fear of failure.
11. Isaiah 26:3
"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee."
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee. Test anxiety is real. Before you begin, take a breath, fix your mind on God, and ask for His peace.
12. Ecclesiastes 12:12
"And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh."
Much study is a weariness of the flesh. Even Solomon felt it. This honest verse permits rest: sleep, breaks, and balance are part of studying well. Then he adds, fear God and keep His commandments.
A short prayer
Lord, give me wisdom as I study. Help me focus, remember what I learn, and do my work heartily as unto You. Keep my mind in perfect peace before my exams, and give me a hunger to study Your Word. In Jesus' name, amen.
Go deeper: a SOAP study prompt
Pick one verse above and write: - Scripture: copy the verse by hand. - Observation: what does it say? Who is speaking, to whom? - Application: what does it mean for you today? - Prayer: turn it into a two-line prayer.
New to this method? See our Bible study guide or pick a Bible reading plan.
Download our free SOAP study page · Get the SOAP Bible Study Journal · Carry a verse with our Scripture Memory Cards
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about studying?
Scripture urges us to "Study to shew thyself approved unto God" (2 Timothy 2:15), to search the Scriptures daily like the Bereans (Acts 17:11), and to seek knowledge (Proverbs 18:15). It also admits "much study is a weariness of the flesh" (Ecclesiastes 12:12).
What is a good Bible verse before an exam?
Proverbs 16:3, James 1:5 and Isaiah 26:3 are great before a test. Write one on an index card and read it right before you walk in. Our Scripture Memory Cards are made for this.
Does study in 2 Timothy 2:15 mean reading books?
Not exactly. In the KJV, study means be diligent or do your best. Paul is telling Timothy to work hard at handling God's word rightly, which certainly includes careful study of Scripture.
How do I start studying the Bible?
Pick one book, read a short passage daily, and use the SOAP method below. Our Bible study guide and Bible reading plans can help you start.
Sources: All Scripture quotations are from the King James Version (KJV), public domain in the United States. References were checked against the KJV text from bible-api.com.
Related: Bible verses about wisdom · Bible verses about renewing the mind · Bible verses about teachers · Bible verses about discipline · Bible verses about stress · Bible verses about anxiety
Explore more: All Bible verses by topic · KJV Bible verses · Verse of the day · Prayers · Bible study · Bible reading plans
