Teachers are a big part of a child’s life. They show up each day to teach academic skills, but they often make an impact outside of the classroom by guiding and inspiring their students.
Prayer along with Bible verses were a big part of my career as a teacher. I used Bible verses to keep me on the right track and to help my students.
Throughout this article, I’ll share Bible verses for teachers that cover different aspects of teaching. Maybe you are reciting Bible verses for yourself to stay motivated. Maybe you need a Bible verse to pray for your students. Or maybe you just want to keep your priorities as a teacher in-line with what God wants.
There are more than 57 Bible verses for teachers, however, the list below are a few of my favorites. The Bible is full of God’s teaching and he holds us, as teachers, in high regard.
What God Says About Teachers
Teachers are important. God teaches us and expects some of us to teach others. It has long been said that teachers are “called”.
In the “old days” that would have meant by God. I’m not sure if that phrase is as common now but somehow teaching is placed in a persons heart and is what drives them.
In God’s word teachers are listed along with pastors and prophets as leaders in a community. In fact, Paul says these individuals have been called by God and because of this, they have a responsibility to those they teach and to God. Those who teach need to live up to this responsibility.
Teaching Isn’t Easy – Scripture Can Help
I taught for over 30 years. When I wasn’t in the classroom teaching, I was at home teaching my own children or volunteering in Sunday school. I’ve also taught adults in Bible study and workshops.
No matter the situation I found myself, I needed prayer and God’s word for support and strength to prepare and teach correctly.
Bible Verses For The First Say of School
The first day of school can be terrifying. Sometimes even after many years. Teachers have so much to worry about. What will the kids be like? Will I be able to control 25 children? What if they don’t like me and ignore me?
Then after teaching a few years, realizing that each group is different and maybe this is the year you have 5 incorrigibles instead of just 1? Will my new discipline system work or will I have to start over again?
How many gifted students will I have compared to non-readers or even non-English speakers?
As teachers we can always find something to worry about. It’s wonderful that God’s word says quite a bit about our tendency to be anxious, then provides the antidote to our problem.
#1 Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus
#2 1 Peter 5:7
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
#3 Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
#4 2 Timothy 1:7
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
#5 Isaiah 41:10
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
#6 Psalm 94:19
When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.
#7 Psalm 34:14
Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
#8 1 John 4:18
There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.
#9 Isaiah 26:3
You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.
Students With Problems or Problem Students
At some point in your teaching career you will have a child in your class that you want to take home with you. This happened to me while I was teaching 5th grade. It took me a while to realize that this student’s mother was not only neglecting her she was also a drug user and created a very dangerous situation for her children.
While I don’t remember exactly how it was resolved, she did have caring relatives in town and she eventually grew up to beautiful adulthood. As soon as I knew this student felt safer at school than at home, I did everything I could to support and encourage her.
Problem students, on the other hand, ca drive a teacher crazy. In this case, patience is your goal. Realize that it is not your job to “fix” them. It is your job to be fair and show them compassion while enforcing your classroom standards.
#10 Psalm 68:5
Learn to do what is right! Promote justice! Give the oppressed reason to celebrate! Take up the cause of the orphan! Defend the rights of the widow!
#11 1 John 3:17
But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.
#12 James 1:27
Pure and undefiled religion before God the Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their misfortune and to keep oneself unstained by the world.
Teacher Bible Verses for Dealing with Parents
Scheduled parent meetings may happen more today than they used to. Often it seemed like the only time I’d see a parent is when they were angry with something I’d done.
We had parent-teacher conferences usually once per year.
Once I assigned a portion of the Martin Luther King Jr. “I Have a Dream Speech” for memorization during Black History Month. Very soon after school I had an irate dad yelling at me for daring to teach what he felt was nonsense.
That was easy enough to remedy but certainly unexpected! Another time a mom was going to beat me up because I put her son’s name on the board. I guess he never did anything wrong before. Fortunately, my principal heard she was on the warpath and showed up quickly to rescue me.
Now I’m not sure what would have happened had there been violence but anger is usually best dealt with by giving a gentle answer. And allowing parents to speak their mind without interrupting them.
I was often reminded that you can’t be reasonable with an unreasonable person. When parents are upset they often need to explain harshly!
Allowing them time to speak and then giving the matter thoughtful consideration will do much toward resolving the problem. It’s not a good idea to become defensive or to argue. It does no good.
#13 Proverbs 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath but a harsh word stirs up anger.
#14 Proverbs 29:11
A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.
#15 Proverbs 15:18
A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention.
#16 Ephesians 4:31
Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.
#17 Proverbs 17:1
The beginning of strife is like letting out water, so quit before the quarrel breaks out.
#17 James 1:19-20
Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.
#18 Romans 12:21
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Teacher Bible Verses for Inspiration
Routine can turn off inspiration and a classroom schedule is routine to the extreme. Turning to the Bible for inspiration is one way to spark renewal or a change in our approach to the job.
Not only to teachers need inspiration they also need to inspire. We can’t give what we don’t have. Choose some verses that inspire you, print them out in classy fonts and post them nearby.
#19 Psalm 121:1-2
I will lift up my eyes to the hills from from whence cometh my help! My help cometh from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
#20 Colossians 3:23
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.
#21 Isaiah 40:28-31
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary and young men stumble and all; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength . They will soar on wings of eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Verses for Attitude and Negativity
My most important advice for teachers concerned about maintaining a good attitude – Stay away from the teachers lounge!
Yes, you need to eat lunch somewhere and there may not be many choices, however it has been my experience that teacher’s lounges are a hotbed of gossip. They also used to be the only place a teacher could smoke. Thankfully that’s not the case anymore.
#22 2 Corinthians 10:5
We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,
#23 Titus 3:10
As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him,
#24 Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
#25 2 Timothy 3:5
Having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.
#26 2 Timothy 4:3-4
For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.
#27 Proverbs 11:13
Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered.
Peace and Assurance
When I see a famous person, writer, comedian, or preacher interviewed I often wonder what they were like as an elementary school student. Maybe that seems strange but as a teacher, you just never know how kids will turn out.
Oddly enough the classroom stars aren’t usually the ones who are the most successful. As I write this I am thinking about two former students. One of whom is currently winning awards for bluegrass music.
He didn’t like school at all but it sure doesn’t matter now. Another former student waited on me in a fabric store recently. I didn’t know who she was but she knew me and said hello. Then she said, “I see you come in all the time.
You don’t buy fabric but sometimes you buy patterns.” I said, “ OK you have to tell me your name. Because I didn’t have a clue”. When she did I was amazed and complimented her on her memory.
She told me she’d never forgotten the person who taught her to read! I almost cried on the spot. I remembered her as a sweet but very behind 2nd-grade child. She shared all this while she held her two-year-old and told me about her wonderful family.
We cannot know the future. But we are assured that when we are doing the will of God and when we are kind and loving to children we are doing what we should. We are not called to solve every problem them but love them and teach them. God takes care of their future.
#28 Romans 8:28
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
#29 John 16:33
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
#30 Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
#31 John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
#32 1 Timothy 2:1-2
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.
Discouragement as a Teacher
Discouragement happens. To everyone. In every job. Whether it is a result of personal failure or relationships with peers or supervisors, it will happen.
Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 6:4, “In everything we do, we show that we are true ministers of God. We patiently endure troubles and hardships and calamities of every kind.”
So when we are discouraged we must remember that we are still Christ’s and his representatives. People who watch us will notice how we deal with discouragement and it should minister to them.
The easy way and the most common way show discouragement is to complain. Complaints spread and many times become fodder for gossip. This should be avoided.
Look at the situation that creates the discouragement as an opportunity. An opportunity to be a blessing to others. Especially if they share your feeling. We know that God is with us through these times because He has promised over and over in his Word.
#33 Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
#34 Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
#35 Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
#36 John 16:33
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
#37 2 Corinthians 12:9
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
#38 1 Peter 5:7
Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
#39 Romans 8:26
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.
#40 Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
Temper Control Bible Verses for Teachers
There is nothing so wrong as a teacher screaming at children. There is absolutely no excuse for it. So don’t.
#41 James 1:19-20
Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.
#42 Ephesians 4:31-32
Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
#43 Proverbs 16:32
Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.
#44 Proverbs 29:11
A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.
Friendship Bible Verses For Teachers
The best kind of friend is a Christian friend. When you can share with another person your deepest cares and spiritual thoughts you have a true friendship.
There is nothing like it. You can always tell when you have been with a truly Christian friend because when you leave you feel closer to God because of them.
When you find good friends on the teaching staff you are either praying for them to become Christian or you are praying with them as another believer.
It will always be that way. As a teacher it is important to have believing friends and to keep them close. We need each other.
#45 Proverbs 27:17
Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.
#46 1 Corinthians 15:33
Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.”
#47 Proverbs 18:24
A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
#48 James 4:4
You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.
#49 Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him – a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
#50 Proverbs 17:17
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
#51 Proverbs 27:9
Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.
#52 Proverbs 27:6
Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.
Life Balance Bible Verses For Teachers
Much is written about trying to find balance. Eat right, sleep well, meditate, exercise, get to church, volunteer, develop hobbies…the list goes on. Teachers have a difficult time doing this.
Most teachers take home too much of the classroom. I remember my mind was always spinning with the next idea for a lesson or activity.
Whether its correcting papers, writing lesson plans or taking more classes, a teachers life can quickly become unbalanced. This may be a difficult area to correct.
So call time out. Sit down and prayerfully consider what’s really important. Then just do those things.
#53 3 John 1:2
Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.
#54 Proverbs 16:11
A just balance and scales are the Lord’s; all the weights in the bag are his work.
#55 Philippians 4:5-6
Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
#56 Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing…
Conclusion
Teachers touch the future and the future is in God’s hands. God’s word is a resource for us. It will comfort, sustain, guide and remind us of the importance of our responsibilities.
So whether you are a parent teaching your child, a Sunday school teacher, a public or private school teacher, know that you are doing the Lord’s work. Rejoice in it and be glad!
