The Bible speaks strongly about the care and protection of children. Mistreating a child is not only harmful but is addressed with serious warnings in Scripture. What does God’s Word say about how we should treat the youngest among us? Let’s explore the biblical view on the responsibility and love we owe to children.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About disobedience
What Does The Bible Say About mistreating a child
Matthew 18:6
“But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.”
This verse emphasizes the seriousness of mistreating a child. It highlights the responsibility we have to protect and nurture the faith of children, warning of severe consequences for those who lead them astray. It is a reminder that children are precious in God’s eyes and should be treated with love and respect.
Proverbs 22:6
“Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it.”
This verse encourages parents and guardians to provide a proper upbringing for children, instilling godly values and teachings. It emphasizes the importance of laying a strong foundation early on, ensuring that the child’s faith and character remain firm even into adulthood. It reminds us that the influence and guidance we provide to children can have a lasting impact on their lives.
Matthew 19:14
“But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.”
This verse highlights Jesus’ deep love and care for children. It reminds us to value and embrace the innocence and purity of children, recognizing their significant place in the kingdom of heaven. It serves as a call to protect and nurture their spiritual growth, ensuring that they have the opportunity to come to Jesus and experience His grace.
Psalm 127:3
“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.”
This verse emphasizes the preciousness of children in God’s eyes. It reminds us that children are a blessing and a gift from the Lord. It encourages us to cherish and value the lives of children, recognizing that they are entrusted to us by God and should be treated with love, care, and respect.
Ephesians 6:4
“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”
This verse addresses fathers specifically, urging them not to mistreat or provoke their children. Instead, it emphasizes the importance of providing discipline and instruction rooted in the ways of the Lord. It reminds us of the vital role fathers play in shaping their children’s character, nurturing them with love, guidance, and godly principles.
Proverbs 19:18
“Discipline your son, for there is hope; do not set your heart on putting him to death.”
This verse speaks to the necessity of discipline in a child’s life. It affirms that discipline, when carried out with love and wisdom, can lead to hope and a positive future. It cautions against extreme measures, reminding parents that discipline should not be excessive or abusive but rather focused on correction and guidance.
Deuteronomy 6:7
“You shall teach them diligently to your children and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of ongoing instruction and guidance for children. It encourages parents to be intentional in teaching their children about God’s commandments and principles. It suggests incorporating regular conversations about faith into daily life, fostering a deep understanding and relationship with God from a young age.
Colossians 3:21
“Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.”
This verse reiterates the instruction to fathers not to provoke or mistreat their children. It reminds us that harsh or unjust treatment can lead to discouragement and emotional harm in children. It emphasizes the need for parents to provide love, support, and encouragement, creating an environment where children feel safe and valued.
Psalm 34:11
“Come, O children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.”
This verse underscores the responsibility of adults to teach children about the fear and reverence of the Lord. It encourages a generational transfer of faith, where older believers pass down their knowledge and understanding of God to the younger generation. It highlights the importance of investing time and effort into nurturing the spiritual growth of children.
Proverbs 13:24
“Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.”
This verse acknowledges the necessity of discipline in a child’s life. It emphasizes that discipline, when administered out of love and in a balanced manner, is a demonstration of care and concern for the child’s well-being. It encourages parents to take their role seriously, diligently guiding and correcting their children for their betterment.
Psalm 103:13
“As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.”
This verse draws a parallel between the compassion of a father towards his children and the compassion of the Lord towards those who fear Him. It highlights the loving and nurturing character of God and encourages parents to reflect His qualities in their relationships with their own children. It reminds us that our love and care for children should mirror God’s love and care for us.
Proverbs 1:8-9
“Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, and forsake not your mother’s teaching, for they are a graceful garland for your head and pendants for your neck.”
This verse emphasizes the value and importance of parental instruction and guidance. It encourages children to listen to the wisdom and teachings of their parents, recognizing that this guidance is like a beautiful ornament that adorns their lives. It highlights the significance of a child’s receptiveness to parental wisdom for their holistic development.
Mark 10:13-14
“And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, ‘Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.’
This verse recounts a situation where people wanted to bring children to Jesus, but His disciples tried to stop them. It reveals Jesus’ displeasure with the disciples’ actions and His compassionate desire to welcome and bless children. It reminds us to create an environment that encourages children to approach Jesus, allowing them to experience His love, grace, and the kingdom of God.
Titus 2:4
“and so train the young women to love their husbands and children”
This verse addresses young women, encouraging them to learn how to love their husbands and children. It underscores the significance of nurturing relationships within the family unit. It serves as a reminder that love, care, and support are essential in building thriving and healthy family dynamics.
Psalm 128:3
“Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table.”
This verse portrays the image of a blessed family, where the wife is fruitful and the children thrive. It emphasizes the joy and blessing that comes from a harmonious and prosperous family life. It serves as a reminder that God’s intention for families is unity, love, and growth.
Proverbs 29:15
“The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.”
This verse highlights the role of discipline in a child’s development. It suggests that appropriate correction and guidance provide children with valuable wisdom. It also warns against the consequences of neglecting proper discipline, which can lead to a lack of character and bring shame upon the mother.
Genesis 18:19
“For I have chosen him, that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing righteousness and justice, so that the LORD may bring to Abraham what he has promised him.”
This verse speaks of Abraham, highlighting his responsibility to command his children and household in following the ways of the Lord. It emphasizes the importance of parental guidance in nurturing faith and integrity within the family. It also suggests that such obedience to God’s ways leads to the fulfillment of His promises.
1 Timothy 3:4-5
“He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?)”
This verse outlines the qualities required for a leader within God’s church, including the ability to manage one’s family well. It reinforces the significance of setting a godly example and leading with respect and authority within the home. It implies that effective leadership in broader contexts begins with cultivating a healthy family unit.
Psalm 78:4
“We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done.”
This verse highlights the importance of sharing and passing down the testimonies and faith experiences of God’s faithfulness to the next generation. It encourages parents and older believers to be intentional in teaching and recounting the wonders and works of the Lord. It emphasizes the power of storytelling and personal testimony in shaping the faith of children.
2 Corinthians 12:14
“Here for the third time I am ready to come to you. And I will not be a burden, for I seek not what is yours but you. For children are not obligated to save up for their parents, but parents for their children.”
This verse refers to the responsibility parents have towards their children. It emphasizes that parents should prioritize caring for and providing for their children’s needs before seeking their own gain or support. It reveals the sacrificial nature of parental love, which puts the well-being of their children first.
Psalm 144:12
“May our sons in their youth be like plants full grown, our daughters like corner pillars cut for the structure of a palace.”
This verse expresses a desire for children to flourish and thrive in their youth. It compares sons to full-grown plants and daughters to pillars, symbolizing strength and beauty. It reflects a hope for children to grow in character and contribute positively to society.
Deuteronomy 1:39
“And as for your little ones, who you said would become a prey, and your children, who today have no knowledge of good or evil, they shall go in there. And to them I will give it, and they shall possess it.”
This verse speaks of God’s promise to children who were deemed incapable of entering the promised land due to their parents’ lack of faith. It reveals God’s grace and faithfulness towards children, assuring that they too will receive what is promised to their parents. It reminds us of God’s commitment to the next generation and His willingness to bless them.
Isaiah 54:13
“All your children shall be taught by the LORD, and great shall be the peace of your children.”
This verse speaks to the security and well-being that comes from children being taught by the Lord. It assures that when children are guided by God’s wisdom and teachings, they will experience great peace in their lives. It serves as a reassurance for parents, encouraging them to entrust their children to God’s care and instruction.
Proverbs 20:7
“The righteous who walks in his integrity – blessed are his children after him!”
This verse highlights the positive influence and blessing that flows from the righteous behavior and integrity of a parent. It suggests that the character and righteousness of parents have a positive impact on their children, leading to their well-being and blessings. It underscores the importance of modeling godly behavior and values for the benefit of the next generation.
Psalm 127:4-5
“Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.”
This verse uses the metaphor of arrows in the hand of a warrior to describe children. It suggests that children are a source of strength and influence. It speaks to the honor and blessing that comes to a man who has a full quiver of children, indicating that their presence brings credibility, security, and support.