For centuries, the Bible has provided inspiration for those willing to trust its words. As a man of God, you’ve probably leaned into its wisdom and comforted yourself on more than one occasion. You know the power it holds.
So, as a dad, it makes sense for you to spread the wealth. You can find inspirational Bible verses for kids and share those crucial truths with your children. After all, the earlier they learn what God’s Word says and how they can dig into its truths, the better off they will be—now and in the future.
Plugging Into Inspiration
Hopefully, you’ve already been sharing inspirational Bible verses with your kids. You’ve probably read them bedtime stories about David and Goliath, Israel crossing the Red Sea, or Daniel in the lion’s den. Perhaps, you’ve led family devotions focused on great passages like the Love Chapter (1 Corinthians 13), the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), or the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-20). You may have covered Matthew 1 and Luke 2 during the Christmas season and the resurrection stories when Easter rolled around.
Those are all great, but there is also a benefit it is highlighting single verses that address a specific topic. These inspirational Bible verses for kids can give them a solid foundation for faith and encourage them to continue digging into God’s Word for answers to their questions.
In the list below, I’ve shared 21 inspirational Bible verses for kids. Some of them are verses I learned as a kid. Some are verses I shared with my children as they grew up. Some are classics, and some might be new to you. But they all will give you a great chance to talk with your children about the power of Scripture. They will also inspire them to trust God and His Word as the foundation of their lives.
1. In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. (Genesis 1:1)
The best place to start your journey through inspirational Bible verses for kids is at the very beginning—and they need to know that everything begins with God.
2. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; in all your ways know him, and he will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
As kids get older and face more questions in their lives, it’s essential that they remember to lean into God’s wisdom instead of what feels good or what seems right to them in the moment.
3. For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)
The most famous verse in the Bible is still the most powerful. It encompasses God’s love, Christ’s sacrifice, and our hope for eternity.
4. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and with people. (Luke 2:52)
This inspirational Bible verse for kids reminds them that Jesus was just like them when He was a child. He went through everything they experience, and they can follow His example.
5. Mankind, he has told each of you what is good and what the Lord requires of you: to act justly, love faithfulness, and walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8)
If your kids ever wonder what God expects of them, they can reflect back to this verse: do right, be faithful, and trust God.
6. Be diligent to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who doesn’t need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15)
God created your kids for a purpose. To fulfill that purpose, they need to know God’s Word and apply it to their lives. They need to be students of Scripture, just like they are students of science, math, or history.
7. The Lord is my shepherd; I have what I need. (Psalms 23:1)
This Bible verse inspires children in two ways. It reminds them of both His protection and His provision—things good shepherds always gave their sheep.
8. Honor your father and your mother so that you may have a long life in the land that the Lord your God is giving you. (Exodus 20:12)
Yes, it’s important for your kids to learn how to honor their parents. But they also need to remember that this command comes with a promise of God’s blessing.
9. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment. (2 Timothy 1:7)
Whether it’s staying in a dark room, fitting into a new school, or facing a huge challenge, children experience fear. This verse inspires them to remember that God is bigger than all their fears.
10. But be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. (James 1:22)
Kids can understand that faith is more than words. Challenge them to put their faith into action—and join them on that journey.
11. Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path. (Psalm 119:105)
This world can feel like a dark place, even for children. Thankfully, they can find comfort in the truth that God’s Word gives them light to see which steps to take—and what paths to avoid.
12. All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness. (2 Timothy 3:16)
Another reason kids can be inspired by Scripture is the truth that Scripture is inspired by God. Everything in the Bible was His idea—not something made up by imperfect people.
13. Just as you want others to do for you, do the same for them. (Luke 6:31)
The Golden Rule never gets old. After more than 2,000 years, it remains the best go-to advice for how people ought to treat one another.
14. A gentle answer turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up wrath. (Proverbs 15:1)
My kids heard it a million times growing up: “Words mean things.” If your children can learn to be wise with their words when they’re young, they will be well on their way to living a life that honors God and encourages others.
15. Give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
In a world consumed by entitlement, gratitude sticks out. As you teach your kids the power of thankfulness, they will experience the difference it makes in their own lives and be in a great place to share it with others.
16. A good name is to be chosen over great wealth; favor is better than silver and gold. (Proverbs 22:1)
People are drawn to integrity, but it’s a fragile commodity that can be lost in a heartbeat. Remind your kids that their good name should be treasured even more than silver or gold.
17. Don’t let anyone despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity. (Timothy 4:12)
This inspirational Bible verse for kids challenges them to be leaders. Remind your children that they don’t have to be a certain age to set a good example. They just need a willing heart and strong character.
18. When I am afraid, I will trust in you. (Psalm 56:3)
It’s a simple verse, but it’s loaded with power and inspiration. Fear is a normal part of human life, but we can count on God to be with us every step of the way.
19. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. (John 13:35)
Jesus said that one thing defines true Christianity above all else: love. People notice genuine love, and when Christ’s followers really love one another, it makes a difference in the world.
20. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
We’re all going to mess up. Kids need to understand that Jesus welcomes us back when we come clean about our sins and our mistakes.
21. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)
When push comes to shove, this inspiring verse for kids is what the Christian life is all about. We are called to share Jesus’s love with others and to be His hands and feet close to home and around the world.
This is only the beginning
As you would expect, this list is not exhaustive. In fact, I had to whittle down my long list quite a bit to get down to 21. And here are my top encouraging scriptures for men. While this list will prime the pump, you can continue finding and reflecting on inspirational Bible verses for kids until they have kids of their own!
Are you a father looking to disciple your children? Take the Godly Dad Quiz to see how you’re doing.
