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What does the Bible say about becoming an adult?

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The Bible teaches that becoming an adult involves growing from childishness into Christlike maturity, learning to trust God, pursue holiness, and serve others with faithful wisdom. First Corinthians 13:11 calls believers to put away childish ways, while Ephesians 4:14-15 urges steady growth in truth and love. Young people are called to flee sinful desires and set an example in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity through 2 Timothy 2:22 and 1 Timothy 4:12. Proverbs 3:5-6 teaches dependence on the Lord rather than self-reliance. This growth is not merely independence, but grace-fed discipleship: growing in Christ, the Good Shepherd, whose saving love and purpose guide His people.

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • 1 Corinthians 13:11

    When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I felt as a child, I thought as a child. Now that I have become a man, I have put away childish things.

  • 2 Timothy 2:22

    Flee from youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

  • Ephesians 4:14-15

    [14] that we may no longer be children, tossed back and forth and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in craftiness, after the wiles of error; [15] but speaking truth in love, we may grow up in all things into him, who is the head, Christ;

  • Proverbs 3:5-6

    [5] Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, And don't lean on your own understanding. [6] In all your ways acknowledge him, And he will direct your paths.

  • Proverbs 22:6

    Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.

  • 2 Peter 3:18

    But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.

  • 1 Timothy 4:12

    Let no man despise your youth; but be an example to those who believe, in word, in your way of life, in love, in spirit, in faith, and in purity.

  • Jeremiah 29:11

    For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says Yahweh, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you hope in your latter end.

  • Psalms 23:1-6

    [1] > Yahweh is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing. [2] He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. [3] He restores my soul. He guides me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. [4] Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me. [5] You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil. My cup runs over. [6] Surely goodness and loving kindness shall follow me all the days of my life, And I shall dwell in Yahweh's house forever.

  • John 3:16-17

    [16] For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life. [17] For God didn't send his Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through him.

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