Scripture for the milestone of graduation — for cards, gifts, speeches, and the road ahead. From Jeremiah 29:11 to Joshua 1:9.
"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."
The most searched Bible verse in 2025 — and for good reason. Perfect for a graduation card or gift.
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.
The most searched Bible verse by US state — a compass verse for every new chapter of life.
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.
God's command to Joshua before his biggest challenge. Equally fitting for a graduate facing the unknown.
I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
The most quoted verse in commencement settings — written by Paul in chains, which gives it unusual authority.
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
A charge to graduates: your education is not just for you.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
For graduates stepping into uncertainty — the assurance that purpose is not derailed by detours.
But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
For the long road ahead: endurance, renewal, and sustained energy for the calling.
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
A life principle for every career, every relationship, every ordinary Tuesday.
Every graduation is a threshold — a leaving and a going. The Bible is full of threshold moments: Abraham leaving Ur, Joshua entering Canaan, Ruth following Naomi into the unknown. What they share is not confidence in their own ability but trust in a God who goes ahead of them.
Jeremiah 29:11 is the world's most searched Bible verse — and it was written to people in exile, not people in triumph. Its power is not that it promises easy success; it promises that God's purpose for you is not derailed by circumstances. That is a different, more durable kind of hope.
The best graduation verse is the one that speaks to this graduate's specific situation. A student entering medicine needs different scripture than one entering ministry; a graduate facing debt and uncertainty needs something different from one stepping into an enviable career. Let the person's story guide the verse, not the occasion alone.