Mentoring is a crucial aspect of personal and spiritual growth. Throughout the Bible, we find many examples of mentorship, from Moses and Joshua to Jesus and His disciples. In these relationships, wisdom, guidance, and support are passed from one individual to another, helping them grow in faith and understanding. Here are Bible verses that highlight the importance and value of mentoring.
Bible Verses About Mentoring
1. Proverbs 27:17 – Iron Sharpens Iron
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17
Cross-References
Hebrews 10:24 – “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”
2. 2 Timothy 2:2 – Pass on the Teachings
“And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.” – 2 Timothy 2:2
Cross-References
Titus 2:3 – “Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live…”
1 Timothy 4:11 – “Command and teach these things.”
1 Corinthians 11:2 – “I praise you for remembering me in everything and for holding to the traditions just as I passed them on to you.”
3. Exodus 18:20 – Teach Them the Decrees and Laws
“Teach them his decrees and instructions, and show them the way they are to live and how they are to behave.” – Exodus 18:20
Cross-References
Proverbs 1:8 – “Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.”
Deuteronomy 6:7 – “Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”
4. Titus 2:4 – Train the Young Women
“Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children…” – Titus 2:4
Cross-References
Titus 2:6 – “Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled.”
1 Timothy 5:1-2 – “Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father…”
5. 1 Corinthians 11:1 – Follow My Example
“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 11:1
Cross-References
Philippians 3:17 – “Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters.”
Ephesians 5:1 – “Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children.”
1 Peter 2:21 – “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.”
6. Hebrews 13:7 – Remember Your Leaders
“Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.” – Hebrews 13:7
Cross-References
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 – “Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you…”
Hebrews 6:12 – “We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.”
7. Proverbs 13:20 – Walk with the Wise
“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.” – Proverbs 13:20
Cross-References
Psalm 1:1 – “Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked…”
1 Corinthians 15:33 – “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.'”
8. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 – Encourage One Another
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Cross-References
Ephesians 4:29 – “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up…”
Romans 14:19 – “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.”
9. Galatians 6:6 – Share All Good Things
“Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor.” – Galatians 6:6
Cross-References
Philippians 4:15-16 – “Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only…”
1 Timothy 5:17 – “The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.”
Luke 8:3 – “Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.”
10. 1 Timothy 1:18 – Timothy, My Son
“Timothy, my son, I am giving you this command in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by recalling them you may fight the battle well.” – 1 Timothy 1:18
Cross-References
1 Timothy 4:14 – “Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you.”
2 Timothy 1:6 – “For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.”
1 Corinthians 4:17 – “For this reason I have sent to you Timothy, my son whom I love, who is faithful in the Lord. He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus…”
11. Acts 20:35 – Helping the Weak
“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” – Acts 20:35
Cross-References
Romans 15:1 – “We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.”
Galatians 6:2 – “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
Philippians 2:4 – “Not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
12. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 – Two are Better than One
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” – Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Cross-References
Proverbs 17:17 – “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”
Hebrews 10:25 – “Not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another…”
1 Thessalonians 5:14 – “And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.”
13. Matthew 28:19-20 – The Great Commission
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” – Matthew 28:19-20
Cross-References
Mark 16:15 – “He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.'”
Luke 24:47 – “And repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.”
John 20:21 – “Again Jesus said, ‘Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.'”
While you’re here, why not explore our latest article on: Bible verses about Letting Go of Control (With Cross-References)
14. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 – Impress Them on Your Children
“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” – Deuteronomy 6:6-7
Cross-References
Ephesians 6:4 – “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”
15. Colossians 3:16 – Let the Message Dwell Among You
“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom…” – Colossians 3:16
Cross-References
1 Corinthians 14:26 – “What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation.”
Titus 2:15 – “These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority.”
16. Proverbs 22:6 – Train a Child
“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” – Proverbs 22:6
Cross-References
Deuteronomy 4:9 – “Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.”
Psalm 145:4 – “One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts.”
2 Timothy 3:15 – “And how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”
17. Ephesians 4:11-12 – Equip His People
“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up…” – Ephesians 4:11-12
Cross-References
1 Corinthians 12:28 – “And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues.”
Hebrews 13:21 – “Equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ.”
Colossians 1:28 – “He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ.”
18. Philippians 4:9 – Put It Into Practice
“Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” – Philippians 4:9
Cross-References
John 13:15 – “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”
1 Corinthians 4:16 – “Therefore I urge you to imitate me.”
1 Thessalonians 4:1 – “As for other matters, brothers and sisters, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more.”
19. Luke 6:40 – Fully Trained
“The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher.” – Luke 6:40
Cross-References
John 13:16 – “Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.”
Matthew 10:24 – “The student is not above the teacher, nor a servant above his master.”
Galatians 4:19 – “My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you…”
20. Romans 15:14 – Competent to Instruct
“I myself am convinced, my brothers and sisters, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with knowledge and competent to instruct one another.” – Romans 15:14
Cross-References
2 Timothy 2:24 – “And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.”
James 1:19 – “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”
21. Psalm 71:18 – Declare Your Power to the Next Generation
“Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come.” – Psalm 71:18
Cross-References
Psalm 78:4 – “We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord…”
Joel 1:3 – “Tell it to your children, and let your children tell it to their children, and their children to the next generation.”
Isaiah 38:19 – “The living, the living—they praise you, as I am doing today; parents tell their children about your faithfulness.”
22. Proverbs 4:7 – The Beginning of Wisdom
“The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.” – Proverbs 4:7
Cross-References
Proverbs 9:10 – “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”
James 1:5 – “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault…”
Ecclesiastes 7:12 – “Wisdom is a shelter as money is a shelter, but the advantage of knowledge is this: Wisdom preserves those who have it.”
23. 1 John 2:27 – The Anointing Teaches You
“As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things…” – 1 John 2:27
Cross-References
John 14:26 – “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”
Isaiah 54:13 – “All your children will be taught by the Lord, and great will be their peace.”
Jeremiah 31:34 – “No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’ because they will all know me…”
24. Acts 2:42 – Devoted to Apostles’ Teaching
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” – Acts 2:42
Cross-References
Acts 20:7 – “On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people…”
1 Corinthians 10:16-17 – “Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ?”
Hebrews 3:13 – “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called ‘Today,’ so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.”
25. 2 Corinthians 9:8 – Abound in Every Good Work
“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” – 2 Corinthians 9:8
Cross-References
2 Timothy 3:17 – “So that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
Philippians 4:19 – “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
Ephesians 2:10 – “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
26. Matthew 5:16 – Let Your Light Shine
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16
Cross-References
Philippians 2:15 – “So that you may become blameless and pure, ‘children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.’ Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky…”
1 Peter 2:12 – “Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God…”
John 15:8 – “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”
27. 2 Timothy 3:14-15 – Continue in What You Have Learned
“But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures…” – 2 Timothy 3:14-15
Cross-References
2 Timothy 1:5 – “I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.”
2 Peter 1:12 – “So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have.”
John 8:31 – “To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, ‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.'”
28. James 3:1 – Not Many Should Become Teachers
“Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.” – James 3:1
Cross-References
1 Corinthians 12:29 – “Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles?”
Matthew 23:8 – “But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers.”
Romans 2:20 – “An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of little children, because you have in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth…”
29. Mark 10:14 – Let the Little Children Come
“When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.’” – Mark 10:14
Cross-References
Matthew 18:2-3 – “He called a little child to him and placed the child among them. And he said: ‘Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.'”
Luke 18:16 – “But Jesus called the children to him and said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.'”
John 21:15 – “When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?'”
30. Psalm 32:8 – I Will Instruct You and Teach You
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” – Psalm 32:8
Cross-References
Isaiah 30:21 – “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.'”
Proverbs 3:5-6 – “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.”
Exodus 15:13 – “In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed.”
31. Titus 2:7-8 – Set Them an Example
“In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned…” – Titus 2:7-8
Cross-References
1 Timothy 4:12 – “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”
1 Peter 5:3 – “Not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.”
Proverbs 11:3 – “The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.”
32. 1 Peter 5:2-3 – Be Shepherds of God’s Flock
“Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve…” – 1 Peter 5:2-3
Cross-References
Acts 20:28 – “Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers.”
Hebrews 13:17 – “Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account.”
John 21:16 – “Again Jesus said, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’”
Also check out this article on: Bible verses about God In Control (With Cross-References)
Final Thoughts
Mentoring is a profound biblical principle repeated numerous times throughout Scripture. The act of mentoring enhances not only personal growth but also the spiritual development of both the mentor and the mentee. From equipping others for good works and guiding them in truth to setting godly examples, mentors play a pivotal role in disseminating divine wisdom and fostering faith communities.
As followers of Christ, we are called to be both learners and mentors, to support one another in love, and to nurture each other towards spiritual maturity. By embracing the role of a mentor, individuals not only serve others but also fulfill God’s command to make disciples, showing the way through their own lives and actions. May we all strive to be mentors who inspire and lead others to the glory of God, remembering the examples set forth in the Scripture. Whether you are seeking mentorship or are being called to be a mentor, these verses equip and encourage us in this vital Christian endeavor.