As children grow up, they face new challenges and opportunities. The Bible provides insights into how children can grow in wisdom, stature, and favor with God and others. Today, we’ll explore this important phase of life.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Children Being Disobedient To Parents
What Does The Bible Say About Children Growing Up
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 emphasizes the importance of early guidance and teaching for children. It suggests that the values, principles, and teachings imparted to them during their formative years can have a lasting impact on their future choices and actions.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to provide a solid foundation of faith, values, and wisdom to guide their children as they grow. By nurturing and instructing them according to godly principles, there is hope that children will stay on the right path even into their adulthood.
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 highlights the importance of consistently teaching and imparting spiritual truths to children in various aspects of life. It suggests that faith should be an integral part of their everyday experiences, discussed and shared at all times.
As parents and guardians, it is our responsibility to lead by example, consistently talking about and demonstrating our faith. By integrating spiritual teachings into daily activities and conversations, we can instill a deep and lasting spiritual foundation in the lives of young ones.
Ephesians 6:1
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.”
As children transition into their teenage years, this verse reminds them of the importance of honoring and obeying their parents. It emphasizes that obedience is not only expected but also righteous in the eyes of God.
Respecting parental authority and following their guidance fosters healthy relationships within the family and helps children develop essential virtues such as humility, self-discipline, and respect. Ultimately, obedience to parents aligns with God’s desire for harmonious and loving family dynamics.
Colossians 3:20
“Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.”
Similar to Ephesians 6:1, this verse reiterates the call for children to obey their parents in all areas of life. It reinforces the idea that such obedience brings joy and satisfaction to the heart of God.
By obeying their parents, children demonstrate their submission to God’s order and authority. This obedience is not limited to specific commands but encompasses all aspects of life, including attitudes, actions, and choices. Pleasing the Lord through obedience to parents reflects honor and reverence for God’s ultimate authority.
Psalm 127:3
“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.”
This verse celebrates the gift of children as a blessing from God. It acknowledges that children are a precious inheritance, entrusted to parents for nurture, love, and guidance.
As children grow up, it is crucial to recognize them as God’s precious creation, deserving of our care, attention, and unconditional love. They are not only a heritage but also an opportunity for parents and guardians to partner with God in shaping their lives and helping them fulfill their unique purpose.
Psalm 34:11
“Come, O children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.”
This verse urges children to listen and learn from those who have wisdom and understanding of the fear of the Lord. It reveals the importance of seeking guidance from godly mentors and elders who can impart spiritual knowledge and understanding.
Children should be open and receptive to the instruction and counsel of those who can guide them in their faith journey. By cultivating a teachable spirit, they can grow in their understanding of God’s ways and develop a reverence for Him.
1 Timothy 4:12
“Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.”
This verse encourages young people not to underestimate the impact they can have on others, despite their age. It urges them to be examples to believers in various aspects of life, including their speech, actions, love for others, faith, and moral purity.
Children and teenagers can make a significant difference in the lives of those around them by living out their faith genuinely and wholeheartedly. By demonstrating Christ-like virtues, they challenge stereotypes and inspire others to pursue godliness.
1 Corinthians 13:11
“When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways.”
This verse highlights the natural progression of maturity and personal development from childhood to adulthood. It suggests that as individuals grow older, they should leave behind childish behaviors, thoughts, and reasoning.
As children transition into adulthood, it is essential for them to embrace responsibility, wisdom, and discernment. They should let go of immaturity and embrace a more mature perspective aligned with God’s truth. This transformation reflects the process of growing in faith and maturity as believers.
Psalm 71:5
“For you, O Lord, are my hope, my trust, O Lord, from my youth.”
This verse expresses a personal acknowledgment of God’s faithfulness and guidance from a young age. It affirms the Lord as the source of hope and trust throughout life’s journey.
From childhood to adulthood, individuals can place their confidence in God, recognizing Him as their constant companion and rock of refuge. It is in Him that they find solace, strength, and unwavering hope amidst the challenges and uncertainties of life.
Psalm 119:9
“How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word.”
This verse poses a rhetorical question, emphasizing the importance of following God’s Word to maintain purity and righteousness. It suggests that living according to God’s commands provides the necessary guidance to navigate the complexities of life.
In a world filled with temptations and distractions, young people can stay on the path of righteousness by holding onto God’s Word. By anchoring their values and actions in His truth, they can choose what is pure, honorable, and pleasing to God.
2 Timothy 2:22
“So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.”
In this verse, young people are encouraged to steer clear of destructive youthful passions and instead pursue virtues such as righteousness, faith, love, and peace. They are urged to surround themselves with like-minded individuals who share a pure heart and commitment to God.
As children grow into their teenage years and beyond, they face various temptations and pressures that can pull them away from godly principles. This verse calls them to resist these harmful influences and actively seek after the things that align with God’s heart.
Ecclesiastes 11:9
“Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth. Walk in the ways of your heart and the sight of your eyes. But know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment.”
This verse acknowledges the exuberance and energy associated with youth while cautioning young people to remember God’s impending judgment for all their choices and actions.
While young individuals may naturally desire freedom and enjoyment, they are reminded to exercise discernment, remembering that God will hold them accountable for their decisions. It encourages them to seek joy and fulfillment within the boundaries of God’s will and with a sense of responsibility.
Joshua 1:9
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
This verse provides reassurance and encouragement to young people, emphasizing the importance of courage and strength in the face of challenges and uncertainties. It reminds them that God is always present, offering His strength and guidance.
As children grow and face new experiences, they may encounter fear and doubt. However, they are reminded to trust in God’s promises and to have confidence in His unwavering presence. With God as their constant companion, they can overcome any obstacles and pursue courageously what He has called them to.
Isaiah 40:30-31
“Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”
This verse acknowledges that even young people can grow tired and weary, both physically and emotionally. However, it offers hope and restoration to those who wait on the Lord.
By placing their trust in God and waiting on His timing and provision, young individuals can find renewed strength and endurance. This verse assures them that in God’s presence, they can soar above adversity, run the race of life without weariness, and walk in His strength without growing faint.
Psalm 119:105
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
In this verse, the psalmist expresses the profound significance of God’s Word in guiding and illuminating one’s path. It compares the Word of God to a lamp that provides clarity and direction in the darkness.
As young people embark on the journey of life and face various choices and decisions, the Word of God serves as a constant source of illumination. It offers wisdom, guidance, and discernment, enabling them to make choices aligned with God’s will and purpose.
Psalm 71:17
“O God, from my youth you have taught me, and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds.”
This verse acknowledges God’s ongoing faithfulness in teaching and guiding individuals from a young age. It highlights the continuity of God’s work in their lives, leading them to proclaim and declare His marvelous works.
As children and teenagers grow in their relationship with God, they continue to learn from His instruction and experience His goodness. They are encouraged to testify and share about God’s faithfulness, proclaiming His great works in their lives as a testament to His grace and love.
Psalm 148:12-13
“Young men and maidens together, old men and children! Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted; his majesty is above earth and heaven.”
This verse emphasizes the power and importance of collective praise from people of all ages. It calls for a unified expression of adoration and worship to the exalted name of the Lord.
Children and young people are invited to join in praising God alongside older generations, acknowledging His supremacy and greatness. This verse highlights the significance of involving young individuals in communal worship, teaching them to honor and glorify God in the company of believers.
Psalm 9:1
“I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.”
This verse demonstrates a heartfelt expression of gratitude and praise to God for His marvelous works. It signifies the intention to acknowledge and proclaim God’s faithfulness and goodness in one’s life.
As children grow into young adulthood, they are encouraged to cultivate a spirit of gratitude, recognizing and recounting the marvelous deeds God has done for them. By sharing testimonies of God’s faithfulness, they inspire others to praise Him and develop a deeper appreciation of His love and provision.
1 Peter 5:5
“Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.'”
In this verse, young people are encouraged to demonstrate humility and submission to their elders. It calls for a posture of respect and honor, recognizing the wisdom and experience of those who are older.
Humility allows young individuals to learn from others and embrace correction and guidance. By understanding that pride hinders God’s favor, they can cultivate a spirit of humility that opens the door to His abundant grace and blessings.
Philippians 4:13
“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
This verse conveys the powerful truth that through Christ’s strength, believers, including young people, can accomplish anything. It affirms that God’s empowerment enables individuals to overcome challenges, pursue their dreams, and fulfill their God-given purpose.
As children grow into young adults, this verse encourages them to have confidence in God’s ability to equip and enable them for the tasks and responsibilities set before them. It reminds them that their strength and potential reside in Christ alone.
Psalm 71:18
“So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come.”
This verse expresses a heartfelt plea to God, requesting His unwavering presence and guidance throughout the journey of life. It is a prayer to remain faithful until old age, with the desire to continually proclaim God’s might and power to future generations.
As young individuals grow in their relationship with God, they develop a burning passion to share His truth and goodness with those younger than them. This verse fosters a generational mindset, encouraging them to pass on their faith and testimony, ensuring the continuation of God’s work from one generation to the next.