10 Bible Verses You Should Really Have Memorized

1. Discover the Way to the Father

In a culture that professes many ways to God, claims of exclusivity upset people; but Jesus wanted us to discover the only way to the Father. “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). He is the only way because the Father chose Him to be the Savior, He’s the only one to live a perfect life—fulfilling the requirements of the law and prophets—and He is our sacrifice for sin, the perfect Mediator between God and man. He is the “only way” to heaven.

Though other scriptures share the “plan of salvation”—such as the “gospel in a nutshell” and the “whosoever” of faith—it’s crucial to distinguish Jesus’ words in John 14:6 from false teaching and postmodern distortions for coming to God. The gospel is clearly countercultural. The righteousness of God comes by grace through faith, not by any other means. 

Supporting scriptures to study or memorize: Romans 3:21-26; Romans 6:23; Isaiah 53:6; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 1:12; John 6:40; Ephesians 1:7 (1:3-14). 

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2. Wise Up

Once we know the Lord, we need to learn how to live for Him with wisdom and understanding. “The fear the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight” (Proverbs 9:10). Wisdom is more than knowledge. Knowledge is gathering information in various ways, and it can exist apart from wisdom. “Smart” fools cannot discern or judge what is true and right. We learn much about wisdom from King Solomon in the Proverbs; and we can also learn from Jesus, who was full of wisdom.

Wisdom is a gift from God and we’re instructed to pray for it. Wisdom comes when we seek God, honor, and rightly relate to Him and commit to obey Him. We might learn the Ten Commandments in Sunday school, but it takes godly wisdom to obey them. The “fear of the Lord” is deep, holy reverence for Him, and out of that reverence, desiring to honor, please and even enjoy Him. 

Supporting scriptures to study or memorize: Psalm 111:10; Proverbs 1:7; Job 28:28; Proverbs 2:5; Deuteronomy 6:1-2; 1 John 5:20. 

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3. Learn to Lean

Leaning has a positive and negative position according to Proverbs 3:5: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” We lean on or trust God (positive) and don’t lean on our own understanding (negative). The result of leaning right is this: God will “make straight your paths.” He will direct us and, in His time, make His plan clear. When we stop being “wise” in our own eyes, we will properly learn to respect God and desire holiness.

We only see “in part” this side of heaven. Our ways may seem best, but our thoughts and ways are not like His. We must learn to lean on the Lord because He sees the entire picture, not just our little piece of the puzzle. The Lord can help us navigate through the confusion. The culture may change, but God’s standards of holiness never change.

Supporting scriptures to study or memorize: Psalm 37:5; Psalm 37:23-24; Philippians 4:19; Hebrews 11:1; Matthew 6:25-34; Psalm 56:3-4; Philippians 4:6; Isaiah 41:13; Psalm 55:22; Matthew 11:28; Psalm 62:7; Psalm 121:2.

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4. Join God in His Work

Although our good works fall short in saving us, once we have received the Savior, we can join God in His work of transformation and “do” good works that reflect His character. Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

God desires to make us more and more like His Son. Christ’s character will be reproduced in us as we “abide” in Him. When the Holy Spirit indwells us, He reminds us of Jesus’ words and urges us to do the right things. Our desire to please Him will continue to grow; but apart from Jesus, we cannot “bear fruit” or shine as a light in the world. Good works do not produce salvation, but in Christ, they will pour out of us and bless others.

Supporting scriptures to study or memorize: Ephesians 3:20; Matthew 28:18-20; 1 Corinthians 13:4-7; Luke 6:31; Matthew 22:37-39; 1 Corinthians 13:4-7; Galatians 5:22-23; Psalm 19:14; Psalm 100:2.

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5. Battle Against Sin

We may feel overwhelmed with temptation to sin, but the wonderful principle of 1 Corinthians 10:13 is, “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” Temptations and testings come to all of us, but in the face of trouble, we can know there is a “way out,” because Jesus has overcome and we can be overcomers too—in Him! 

God works in us to make us holy, but there are things we can do—ways we can respond in faith and obedience—to battle against sin. We can walk in the Spirit and heed the Word. We can use defensive and offensive spiritual weapons of warfare (Ephesians 6:10-18). Though forgiven, believers will one day stand before the Lord to give account and receive rewards. One reward is the imperishable crown, for those who discipline their lives and overcome temptations.

Supporting scriptures to study or memorize: Joshua 1:8; Romans 12:1-2; 2 Timothy 1:7; Romans 8:5-6; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 2 Corinthians 1:9.

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6. Live in Your New Identity

One of the most transformative studies in my Christian growth was pondering my new identity in Christ. 1 Peter 2:9 says, “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”

In Ephesians 1:3-14, Paul further explained the tremendous spiritual blessings we have “in Christ.” We are chosen, made new, adopted, accepted, forgiven and so much more! In short, in Christ, we have a new identity, absolute security and God-given dignity. An important concept to grasp is this: in our new identity in Christ, we are no longer slaves to sin, but we are rather reconciled to God. We are now citizens of heaven and we need to live like it, “bringing holiness to completion.”

Supporting scriptures to study or memorize: John 1:12; Ephesians 1:5; 1 John 3:1-2; 2 Corinthians 5:17; John 10:10; Psalm 100:3.

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7. Answer the Call to Courage

In our complex, confusing and chaotic world, we all need the supernatural courage that comes from God. God said to Isaiah, “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” (Isaiah 41:10). Fearful circumstances may be around us, but courage is the boldness and confidence in God we need to battle our fears. He will help and support us.

Jesus told his fearful disciples to “take heart”—“Take courage. I’m here.” Bible personalities from Abraham to Paul faced down their fears because they placed their confidence in the all-wise, ever-present One who is always in control. Jesus modeled courage in the Garden of Gethsemane by yielding to the will of the Father. We don’t need to fear “sudden disaster,” because the Lord will always be our confidence. 

Supporting scriptures to study or memorize: Joshua 1:9; Deuteronomy 31:6; 1 Corinthians 16:13; Psalm 27:1; Matthew 6:34; Psalm 46:1.

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8. Grow in Gratitude

Have you ever noticed the power in a believer’s thankful spirit, especially one who faces tough trials with the grace of gratitude? It’s a powerful testimony to a watching world. And this is what the Father wills for us: “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Gratitude is part of the triple formula for changing our perspective and overcoming discouragement—rejoice, pray, and give thanks.

We’re to be grateful to God regardless of our circumstances. Tough situations may not seem good; but God is good, and He will use all things for His glory, our benefit and to bless others. We can thank God for victories we enjoy in Christ and His steadfast love. The Bible encourages us to be thankful always and for everything! And we allow our gratitude to overflow into words and songs of praise. Like David, we can say, “His praise shall continually be in my mouth.”

Supporting scriptures to study or memorize: Psalm 136:26; Psalm 106:1; Psalm 105:1-2; Philippians 4:6-7; 1 Corinthians 15:57; 2 Corinthians 2:14; Psalm 100.

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9. Adjust Your Focus

The psalmist said, “I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways” (Psalm 119:15). He knew the importance of meditating on God’s wise commands and reflecting on how He works. Adjusting our focus is a daily necessity, because there is so much in life to distract us from God’s Word and ways. Without proper focus, our priorities and values may become skewed. We may be tempted to dwell on our past or fear the future, instead of looking straight ahead to what God has planned for this day.

Like checking a compass to confirm we are not getting lost, when we read God’s Word we will stay on track for spiritual maturity and success. We will adjust our focus when we delight in God’s way; and when we follow the Spirit, we can adjust our lifestyle choices to please the Lord. David modeled this. He wanted to “gaze” upon the Lord. And Paul says we should fix our eyes on Jesus.

Supporting scriptures to study or memorize: Isaiah 26:3; Philippians 3:13-14; Philippians 4:6-8; Matthew 6:19-21; Matthew 6:33; Colossians 3:1-3.

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10. Never Give Up!

God has a plan for each of us, and Paul said the Lord will bring that plan to a flourishing finish! “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6). It’s easy to get discouraged. We may panic, forgetting the Lord is in control. We may get overwhelmed by allowing for too little margin in our lives—trying to meet others’ expectations and even our own misguided hopes rather than taking our marching orders from the Lord. Or maybe we get caught up in perfectionism and forget about forgiveness and grace.

We need to remember: 1.) God will be faithful to keep His promises; 2.) God’s grace is available to meet our needs; and 3.) “It will be worth it all when we see Jesus!” Perhaps our motto should be, “I won’t give up because the Lord is faithful and He will see me through.” He is our strength. He is our hope. He is our wisdom. He is our provision. He is our protection. He is our everything! 

Supporting scriptures to study or memorize: 2 Corinthians 12:9-11; Philippians 4:13; Romans 8:38-39; Deuteronomy 7:9; Revelation 22:12; Isaiah 40:31.

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Dawn Wilson and her husband Bob live in Southern California. They have two married sons and three granddaughters. Dawn assists author and radio host Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth with research and works with various departments at Revive Our Hearts. She is the founder and director of Heart Choices Today, and also publishes LOL with God and Upgrade with Dawn and writes for Crosswalk.com. Dawn also travels with her husband in ministry with Pacesetter Global Outreach.