The classic verse for teens is "Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity" (1 Timothy 4:12). Others are "Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth" (Ecclesiastes 12:1) and "Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word" (Psalm 119:9).
The teenage years are full of firsts: a first job, a first car, a first heartbreak and, for many, the first time faith feels like your own. These twelve King James verses are for teenagers and for the parents, youth leaders and grandparents who love them. They say you are not too young to matter to God, give wisdom for friends and pressure, and show what growing up with God looks like, from Jesus at twelve to King Josiah at sixteen. For younger children, see Bible verses for kids; for school and exams, see studying.
You are not too young
1. 1 Timothy 4:12
"Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity."
Paul wrote this to Timothy, a young pastor some people looked down on. Instead of arguing, Timothy was to set an example in word, conduct, love, spirit, faith and purity. Respect is earned by example at any age.
2. Jeremiah 1:7
"But the LORD said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak."
When God called Jeremiah, he protested that he was only a child. God told him not to say that. Your age does not limit what God can do through you.
3. 1 John 2:14
"I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one."
John speaks to young people as strong, with God's word living in them and victory over the wicked one. Young faith is not second-class faith.
4. Psalms 71:17
"O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works."
The psalmist says God has taught him since his youth. Faith learned as a teenager can last a lifetime and give you stories to tell when you are old.
Friends, pressure and choices
5. Proverbs 1:10
"My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not."
Wisdom begins with one simple word: no. When friends pull you toward wrong, you do not have to consent. Decide how you will say no before the moment comes.
6. 1 Corinthians 15:33
"Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners."
Evil communications corrupt good manners means bad company ruins good character. Your closest friends shape who you become, online and in person. See friendship.
7. Daniel 1:8
"But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself."
Daniel was probably a teenager when he was taken to Babylon. He purposed in his heart not to defile himself, and he asked politely for another option. Conviction and courtesy can go together.
8. Ecclesiastes 11:9
"Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment."
The Preacher tells young people to enjoy their youth, and to remember that God will judge. Joy and responsibility belong together; God is not against fun.
Growing up with God
9. Ecclesiastes 12:1
"Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them;"
Remember your Creator while you are young, before the hard days of old age arrive. Habits you build now, like prayer and Bible reading, are easier to keep for life.
10. Luke 2:52
"And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man."
Jesus grew up too: in wisdom, in stature, and in favour with God and people. Growth in body, mind, faith and friendships all matters to God.
11. Psalms 25:7
"Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness' sake, O LORD."
David asked God not to remember the sins of his youth. If you have already made mistakes, God's mercy is bigger than your past. See forgiveness.
12. 2 Chronicles 34:3
"For in the eighth year of his reign, while he was yet young, he began to seek after the God of David his father: and in the twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem from the high places, and the groves, and the carved images, and the molten images."
Josiah became king at eight, and at sixteen he began to seek God for himself. Four years later he started removing idols from the land. A teenager's decision to follow God can change a whole nation.
A short prayer
Lord, thank You that I am not too young to know You and serve You. Give me wisdom to choose good friends, courage to say no to what is wrong, and a heart that seeks You for myself. When I mess up, remind me of Your mercy. Help me grow in wisdom and in favour with You and with others. 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.
Get our free 7-Day New Year Scripture Focus Plan · Learn one verse a week with the Scripture Memory Cards · Get the SOAP Bible Study Journal
Frequently asked questions
What is a good Bible verse for a teenager?
1 Timothy 4:12 is the most popular. Others are Ecclesiastes 12:1, Psalm 119:9, Luke 2:52 and "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart" (Proverbs 3:5). Choose one, put it on your phone lock screen or a card, and read it every morning for a month.
What does the Bible say about peer pressure?
Proverbs 1:10 says, "if sinners entice thee, consent thou not," and 1 Corinthians 15:33 warns that bad company corrupts good character. Find at least one friend who shares your faith, and remember "God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able" (1 Corinthians 10:13). See temptation and gossip.
How can parents encourage a teenager with Scripture?
Short and personal works better than long lectures. Text a verse before an exam, leave a card in a backpack, or pray one verse over your teen at bedtime. Scripture pictures faith talked about in ordinary moments, "when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way" (Deuteronomy 6:7). See also a mother and daughter.
What does the Bible say to a teenager who feels worthless?
God says you are "fearfully and wonderfully made" (Psalm 139:14) and that He looks on the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). Your worth does not come from grades, looks, likes or followers. If those feelings will not lift, please tell a parent, pastor or school counselor. See self-esteem.
If you are struggling with depression, self-harm or thoughts of suicide, please tell a trusted adult. In the US you can call or text 988 any time for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or call 911 in an emergency. If someone is hurting you, call or text the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4453.
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 for kids · Bible verses about studying · Bible verses about friendship · Bible verses about temptation · Bible verses about self-esteem · Bible verses about gossip · Bible verses for your boyfriend
Explore more: All Bible verses by topic · KJV Bible verses · Verse of the day · Prayers · Bible study · Bible reading plans
