Parenting comes with responsibilities, and the Bible offers wisdom on authority in the family. Today, we will examine what Scripture says about guiding children in a way that honors God.
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What Does The Bible Say About Authority Over Your Children
Ephesians 6:1
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of children obeying their parents. It teaches that obedience to parents is not only a moral duty but also the right thing to do as a child of God.
Obedience to parents is a fundamental principle that helps children develop respect, discipline, and a proper understanding of authority. It is a way for children to honor and show love to their parents, and ultimately, to God.
Proverbs 1:8
“Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.”
This verse encourages children to attentively listen to the wisdom and guidance of their parents. It recognizes the significant role parents play in shaping their children’s character and understanding of the world.
By listening to their parents’ instructions and teachings, children can gain valuable insights, avoid pitfalls, and make wise decisions. It is a way for children to honor their parents’ authority and benefit from their experience.
Exodus 20:12
“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.”
This verse commands children to honor both their father and mother. It highlights the importance of showing respect, gratitude, and appreciation to parents.
When children honor their parents, they not only strengthen the bond within the family but also experience God’s blessing and protection. Honoring parents is a way for children to acknowledge the authority and love that their parents represent.
Colossians 3:20
“Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.”
This verse emphasizes the all-encompassing nature of children’s obedience to their parents. It encourages children to obey their parents in every aspect of their lives, recognizing that this pleases the Lord.
Obedience to parents is not limited to specific situations but extends to all areas of a child’s life. By obeying their parents, children demonstrate their trust in God’s wisdom and His purpose for authority in their lives.
Proverbs 4:1
“Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding.”
This verse highlights the importance of sons (and children in general) listening to a father’s instruction. It emphasizes the need to actively and attentively listen in order to gain wisdom and understanding.
Listening to a father’s instruction allows children to learn from the experiences and wisdom of their fathers. It sets them on a path of knowledge, growth, and discernment, enabling them to make wise choices and live fulfilling lives.
Proverbs 6:20
“My son, keep your father’s command and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.”
This verse encourages children to hold fast to their father’s commands and not forsake their mother’s teachings. It emphasizes the importance of valuing and preserving the guidance and instructions received from parents.
Parents have a unique and crucial role in shaping their children’s values and beliefs. By keeping their parents’ commands and teachings, children build a foundation of moral character and integrity.
Proverbs 23:22
“Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.”
This verse highlights the significance of listening to one’s father, recognizing that he is the one who brought life into the world. It also emphasizes the importance of not despising or neglecting one’s mother, especially in old age.
Listening to one’s father and honoring one’s mother are acts that reflect gratitude, love, and respect. It is a way for children to honor the role their parents played in their lives from the very beginning.
Exodus 21:17
“Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death.”
This verse reveals the severe consequences of cursing one’s father or mother. It underscores the seriousness of dishonoring or disrespecting parents and the authority they hold.
God’s command to honor parents extends to the prohibition of cursing them. It reminds children of the weightiness of their words and the need for honoring their parents with reverence and love.
Proverbs 30:17
“The eye that mocks a father, that scorns an aging mother, will be pecked out by the ravens of the valley, will be eaten by the vultures.”
This verse uses vivid imagery to illustrate the consequences of mocking a father and scorning an aging mother. It serves as a warning of the judgment and punishment that may follow such disrespectful actions.
Parents deserve respect and honor, regardless of their age or circumstances. This verse reminds children of the importance of treating their parents with kindness, compassion, and reverence.
Proverbs 15:20
“A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother.”
This verse contrasts the impact of a wise son who brings joy to his father with the negative attitude of a foolish man who despises his mother. It emphasizes the influence children have on the emotional well-being of their parents.
By exhibiting wisdom, respect, and love towards their parents, children contribute to a healthy and joyful family dynamic. Conversely, the rejection or disregard of a mother’s guidance reflects foolishness and ingratitude.
Proverbs 20:20
“If someone curses their father or mother, their lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness.”
This verse warns against cursing one’s father or mother by depicting the extinguishing of one’s light in darkness as a consequence. It highlights the spiritual darkness and emptiness that follow such dishonorable actions.
The metaphor of a lamp being snuffed out symbolizes the loss of guidance, clarity, and blessings that result from disrespecting parents. It serves as a cautionary reminder to cherish and honor one’s parents.
Proverbs 23:24
“The father of a righteous child has great joy; a man who fathers a wise son rejoices in him.”
This verse portrays the immense joy experienced by a father who has a righteous and wise child. It emphasizes the delight and pride that comes from raising a child who walks in godly wisdom.
Parents genuinely rejoice when their children exhibit righteousness and wisdom. It is a testament to the effectiveness of their teachings and the fulfillment of their deepest desires for their children’s well-being.
Proverbs 1:9
“They are a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck.”
This verse compares the teachings and instructions of parents to a garland and a chain, symbolizing their beauty, value, and adornment in life. It signifies the preciousness and significance of parental guidance.
Just as a garland and a chain enhance one’s appearance, parents’ teachings enrich their children’s lives. The wisdom imparted by parents becomes a source of honor, grace, and guidance for their children.
Proverbs 13:1
“A wise son heeds his father’s instruction, but a mocker does not respond to rebukes.”
This verse contrasts the response of a wise son who heeds his father’s instruction with a mocker who rejects or ridicules rebukes. It highlights the importance of humility and willingness to learn.
Children who are receptive to their father’s instructions benefit from their wisdom and guidance. On the other hand, those who mock or dismiss rebukes miss out on the valuable lessons and insights that come from correction.
Proverbs 30:11
“There are those who curse their fathers and do not bless their mothers.”
This verse draws attention to those who curse their fathers and fail to bless their mothers. It highlights the inconsistency of their conduct, demonstrating a lack of gratitude and respect.
Children should be mindful of the words they speak and the attitude they display towards their parents. Being quick to curse and slow to bless parents only leads to relational strain and a disregard for the authority they hold.
Leviticus 19:3
“Each of you must respect your mother and father, and you must observe my Sabbaths. I am the LORD your God.”
This verse combines the command to respect both mother and father with the exhortation to observe the Lord’s Sabbaths. It provides a reminder that honoring parents is inextricably linked to honoring God Himself.
Respecting parents and observing the Lord’s statutes are two demonstrations of obedience and reverence towards God. This verse emphasizes that both commandments are interconnected and integral to a life of faith.
Colossians 3:21
“Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.”
This verse addresses fathers specifically, cautioning against embittering their children and causing them to become discouraged. It highlights the impact a father’s behavior can have on a child’s emotional well-being.
Parents have a responsibility to cultivate an environment of love, affirmation, and encouragement for their children. This verse reminds fathers to exercise their authority with wisdom, kindness, and empathy.
Proverbs 22:6
“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of guiding children in the right path since early childhood. It suggests that when children are taught godly values and principles from an early age, they are likely to continue on that path throughout their lives.
Parents play a crucial role in shaping their children’s worldview, character, and faith. Investing in their spiritual and moral development has the potential to bear fruit that lasts a lifetime.
Deuteronomy 6:6-7
“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.”
This passage emphasizes the responsibility parents have to consistently teach and model God’s commandments to their children. It calls for the integration of faith into everyday life, through conversations and actions that reflect and reinforce godly values.
Parents are called to be intentional in imparting spiritual truths, using various opportunities throughout the day to discuss and deepen their children’s understanding of God’s commandments.
Proverbs 29:17
“Discipline your children, and they will give you peace; they will bring you the delights you desire.”
This verse recognizes the positive impact of discipline on children’s behavior and character. It highlights the correlation between discipline and a peaceful, joyful home environment.
Discipline, when done with love and wisdom, helps children develop self-control, respect, and the ability to make wise choices. It contributes to their overall well-being and fosters a harmonious relationship between parents and children.
Ephesians 6:2
“Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise—”so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”
This verse reiterates the commandment to honor father and mother, highlighting its significance by noting that it is the first commandment with a promise attached to it. It shows that honoring parents leads to God’s favor and blessings.
As children honor their parents, they create an atmosphere of harmony and respect within the family. Their obedience and reverence demonstrate a heart that seeks to honor God, positioning them to experience His blessings throughout their lives.
Proverbs 17:6
“Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.”
This verse recognizes the joy and blessings that come from the relationship between grandparents and grandchildren. It also highlights the pride and honor children feel towards their parents.
Grandchildren are considered a crown to grandparents, symbolizing the legacy and impact they have on future generations. Similarly, children find pride and joy in the virtuous character and accomplishments of their parents.
Proverbs 15:5
“A fool spurns a parent’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence.”
This verse contrasts the response of a fool who rejects a parent’s discipline with someone who heeds correction. It emphasizes the wisdom and discernment that come from being receptive to guidance.
Children who value and appreciate their parents’ discipline demonstrate a teachable spirit and a desire for personal growth. They understand that correction is a means of refinement and character development.
Proverbs 19:26
“Whoever robs their father and drives out their mother is a child who brings shame and disgrace.”
This verse highlights the dishonor and disgrace that result from mistreating or neglecting parents. It underscores the importance of treating parents with love, respect, and generosity.
Children have a responsibility to care for and support their parents, especially in their times of need. Failing to do so not only brings shame to the child but also undermines the values of family and honor.
Proverbs 23:25
“May your father and mother rejoice; may she who gave you birth be joyful!”
This verse expresses the desire for parents to experience joy and rejoicing in their children’s lives. It reflects the importance of bringing happiness and fulfillment to those who nurtured and raised us.
Children have the opportunity to bring immense joy and contentment to their parents by living a life that honors God, embraces wisdom, and exhibits love and gratitude towards their parents.