Martin Luther King Bookmarks

In honor of MLK Day, I wanted to share some brand new, free printable Martin Luther King Bookmarks, featuring some of my favorite quotes from the Civil Rights leader.

Many of Martin Luther King’s quotes call to my mind the words of Jesus and other Bible verses, some of which I’ve linked below the quotes that echo similar sentiments.

On Darkness

Martin Luther King, Jr said: “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.”

Jesus says, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'” (John 8:12)

The Bible also says, “In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:4-5)

On Hate

Martin Luther King, Jr said: “Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

Jesus says, “You have heard that it was said, Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you….” (Matthew 5:43-44)

The Bible also says, “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.” (1 Peter 3:9)

On Doing Right

Martin Luther King, Jr said: “It is always the right time to do the right thing.”

The Bible says, “Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin.” (James 4:17)

Jesus also says, ““Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” (Luke 11:28)

On First Steps

Martin Luther King, Jr said: “You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.”

Jesus says, ““You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. Whoever walks in the dark does not know where they are going.” (John 12:35)

The Bible also says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105)

On Silence

Martin Luther King, Jr said: “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”

Jesus says, “If anyone is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in His Father’s glory with the holy angels.” (Mark 8:38)

The Bible also says, “One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision and told him, “Don’t be afraid! Speak out! Don’t be silent!” (Acts 18:9)

On Putting Others First

Martin Luther King, Jr said: “The surest way to be happy is to seek happiness for others.”

Jesus says, “The greatest among you shall be your servant. / For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” (Matthew 23:11-12)

The Bible also says, “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:3-4)

On Injustice

Martin Luther King, Jr said: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

Jesus says, “Will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry out to Him day and night? Will He delay in helping them?” (Luke 18:7)

The Bible also says, “Woe to those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees, to deprive the poor of their rights and withhold justice from the oppressed of my people, making widows their prey and robbing the fatherless.” (Isaiah 10:1-2)

On Dreams

Martin Luther King, Jr said: “You can kill the dreamer, but you can’t kill the dream.”

Jesus says, “Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies.” (John 11:25)

The Bible also says, “And it will come about after this that I will pour out My Spirit on all mankind; and your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.” (Joel 2:28)

More Free MLK Day Printables

Follow this link to download more of our free Martin Luther King Day printables. Here you’ll find coloring pages, trivia pages and other worksheets to help you learn more about this great Civil Rights leader.