Introduction
On the second Monday of January, Japan celebrates Seijin no Hi, Coming of Age Day. Young people in long-sleeved kimono or suits attend the ceremony held by their city and meet old classmates again. The legal age of adulthood dropped to 18 in 2022, but many cities still celebrate at 20. Christian families and churches often use the day to pray for new adults. These 20 verses, quoted from the World English Bible, are grouped into four themes: walking as an adult, wisdom and choices, trusting God as life begins, and gratitude and purpose. Use them in a card or a letter.
Walking as an Adult
1. 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."
Paul tells young Timothy not to let anyone despise his youth, but to be an example to believers. Becoming an adult is not only a matter of getting older; it means setting an example in words, conduct, love and faith. On this day, ask yourself before God how you want to live. Read all of 1 Timothy 4.
2. 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."
Paul says that when he was a child he spoke as a child, and that he put away childish things when he became an adult. Growing up also means taking on responsibility. You gain freedom, and so you also gain the responsibility to choose. Ask God for help and face each decision sincerely. Read all of 1 Corinthians 13.
3. 2 Timothy 1:7
"For God didn’t give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control."
God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and self-control. On the threshold of the adult world everyone feels some anxiety. Yet you can move forward guided not by fear but by power, love and a sound mind. On the morning of the ceremony, repeat this verse before you leave. Read all of 2 Timothy 1.
4. Ecclesiastes 12:1
"Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come, and the years draw near, when you will say, “I have no pleasure in them;”"
Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, says Ecclesiastes. Before life becomes busier and before you start relying on your own strength, remembering God is of great value. Coming of age is a good moment to make prayer and worship your own habit, and to move from your parents' faith to yours. Read all of Ecclesiastes 12.
5. Psalm 119:9
"How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word."
How can a young person keep his way pure? By living according to God's word. As an adult you meet more temptations: alcohol, relationships, pressure. You will not be perfect, but opening the Bible each day to hear God's voice is a solid help for keeping your way, even if you read only one passage at a time. Read all of Psalm 119.
Seeking Wisdom and Choosing Well
6. Proverbs 3:5-6
"Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."
Trust in Yahweh with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding: a famous verse. At the age when big choices come one after another (studies, work, marriage), believing that everything depends on you is exhausting. Acknowledge him in all your ways and he will make your paths straight. Pray before you decide. Read all of Proverbs 3.
7. Proverbs 4:7
"Wisdom is supreme. Get wisdom. Yes, though it costs all your possessions, get understanding."
Wisdom is supreme, so get wisdom, and though it costs all you have, get understanding. Diplomas matter, but discernment cannot be bought. Use your coming of age as a reason to read the Bible, talk with older believers and seek wisdom. This habit will serve you for the rest of your life. Read all of Proverbs 4.
8. James 1:5
"But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him."
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach. Not knowing is nothing to be ashamed of, and even adults hesitate. Ask God honestly. He will not blame you for your lack of experience, and he will answer. Read all of James 1.
9. Proverbs 16:3
"Commit your deeds to Yahweh, and your plans shall succeed."
Commit your deeds to Yahweh, says the proverb, and your plans shall succeed. That does not mean doing nothing; it means presenting your plans to God and seeking his direction. Not everything will go as planned, but what God wants for you remains with you. Write down your plans for the future in his presence. Read all of Proverbs 16.
10. Psalm 32:8
"I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you shall go. I will counsel you with my eye on you."
God says, "I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you shall go." He does not watch from a distance; he guides you with his eye on you. When you are unsure about your path or compare yourself with others, remember this promise and seek his counsel. Read all of Psalm 32.
Starting Life by Trusting God
11. 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 and a future."
God has thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you hope and a future, says the prophet. It is not a guarantee of a life without difficulty, but a promise that God has a purpose for your future. Today, turn your anxiety about what lies ahead into trust in his plan. Read all of Jeremiah 29.
12. Joshua 1:9
"Haven’t I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be dismayed, for Yahweh your God is with you wherever you go.”"
Be strong and courageous, God told Joshua, for Yahweh your God is with you wherever you go. When you step into a new city, new studies or a first job, loneliness can weigh on you. Still, the Lord goes with you. Every time you see the photos of your ceremony, remember these words. Read all of Joshua 1.
13. Isaiah 40:31
"but those who wait for Yahweh will renew their strength. They will mount up with wings like eagles. They will run, and not be weary. They will walk, and not faint."
Those who wait for Yahweh renew their strength; they run and are not weary, they walk and do not faint. Working life brings days of tiredness. The strength of youth eventually runs out, but strength from God is renewed. Instead of pushing on at any cost, stop at times to receive strength in prayer. Read all of Isaiah 40.
14. Psalm 37:5
"Commit your way to Yahweh. Trust also in him, and he will do this:"
Commit your way to Yahweh, trust in him, and he will act. Committing yourself to God is not giving up. It means doing your best and then placing the result in his hands. The heavier your adult responsibilities become, the more this trust lightens your heart. Read all of Psalm 37.
15. Romans 12:2
"Don’t be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God."
Do not be conformed to this world, Paul writes, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. It is often easier to follow the crowd. Yet to be an adult in the faith is to think for yourself about what pleases God. Let your coming of age be the day you decide to live by God's will. Read all of Romans 12.
Living with Gratitude and Purpose
16. Micah 6:8
"He has shown you, O man, what is good. What does Yahweh require of you, but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?"
What does Yahweh require of you, Micah asks, but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? He values an honest life more than great success. Think not about your future job or title, but about what kind of person you want to be. Small daily actions shape a person. Read all of Micah 6.
17. Matthew 6:33
"But seek first God’s Kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well."
Seek first God's Kingdom and his righteousness, Jesus said, and all these things will be given to you as well. Work, money, relationships: at your age you worry about many needs. To avoid getting the order wrong, turn your heart toward God first each morning. That order protects you from anxiety. Read all of Matthew 6.
18. Colossians 3:23
"And whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men,"
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men. A part-time job or your studies take on new meaning when you remember that the Lord sees. Take your first steps as a young worker with this attitude. Your work then becomes a way of serving God. Read all of Colossians 3.
19. Galatians 5:13
"For you, brothers, were called for freedom. Only don’t use your freedom for gain to the flesh, but through love be servants to one another."
You were called for freedom, Paul says, but do not use it as an opportunity for the flesh; through love be servants to one another. Becoming an adult also means gaining freedom. Use it not only for yourself but to serve others. When freedom and love are joined, adult faith bears fruit. Read all of Galatians 5.
20. Psalm 90:12
"So teach us to count our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom."
Teach us to count our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. At twenty, this is a prayer that lets you look back at the road behind you and count the days ahead. Time is limited. On your coming of age, ask God what he invites you to give the time he has given you. Read all of Psalm 90.
Further reading
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Bible verse suits Coming of Age Day?
1 Timothy 4:12, which says not to let anyone despise your youth, is often chosen. Proverbs 3:5-6, about trusting Yahweh with all your heart, also fits the start of adult life very well. Choose according to the person's situation.
Can a church bless new adults?
Yes. Many Japanese churches invite the 20-year-olds to the front during the service near Seijin no Hi, and the pastor prays for them. You do not need a kimono or a suit. Ask your own church what it offers.
Can I give a Bible verse to a friend who is not a Christian?
Yes, as long as you do not push it: put the joy of the celebration first and add a short passage. Psalm 90:12 or Proverbs 3:5 speak to everyone, whatever their age or faith.