Parenting is a great responsibility and a blessing. The Bible offers wisdom for those who are becoming parents. Today, we will discuss what the Bible says about raising children and the role of parents in guiding their children in the ways of the Lord.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Becoming An Adult
What Does The Bible Say About Becoming A Parent
Genesis 1:28
God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”
This verse highlights God’s original commandment to Adam and Eve to be fruitful and multiply, indicating His desire for human beings to become parents and populate the earth.
It also emphasizes the responsibility and authority that parents have in ruling over and caring for all living creatures, instilling the importance of stewardship and nurturing in the role of parenthood.
Psalm 127:3
Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him.
This verse acknowledges that children are a precious gift from God, emphasizing the value and significance they hold in the eyes of the Lord.
It reminds parents that their children are not just their own, but entrusted to them by God, highlighting the need for love, care, and gratitude in fulfilling the role of a parent.
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 stresses the importance of early guidance and training in shaping a child’s character and values, highlighting the long-lasting impact it can have throughout their lives.
It serves as an encouragement for parents to diligently teach and model righteousness to their children, knowing that the seeds planted in their hearts will bear fruit even into adulthood.
Ephesians 6:4
Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
This verse reminds fathers (and by extension, parents) of their role in nurturing and disciplining their children, urging them to avoid harshness or provocation.
It emphasizes the importance of raising children in a manner that aligns with God’s teachings, ensuring that they are provided with spiritual guidance and instruction as they grow.
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 verse highlights the significance of intentionally passing down faith and wisdom to children through consistent teaching and dialogue.
It encourages parents to incorporate the commandments and principles of God into their everyday conversations and activities, creating an environment where spiritual growth is nurtured and constantly reinforced.
Psalm 103:13
As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him.
This verse compares God’s compassion to that of a father, highlighting the loving and caring nature of the Heavenly Father towards His children.
It reminds parents of the importance of reflecting God’s compassion in their own parenting, showing love, understanding, and mercy towards their children as a reflection of God’s character.
Colossians 3:21
Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.
This verse reiterates the admonition for fathers (and parents in general) to avoid causing bitterness or discouragement to their children through harsh or unfair treatment.
It emphasizes the need for parents to create an environment of love, encouragement, and affirmation, nurturing their children’s hearts and fostering a healthy emotional growth.
Proverbs 13:24
Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.
This verse speaks to the importance of discipline in parenting, highlighting that withholding correction or discipline can be detrimental to a child’s well-being.
It emphasizes the balance between love and discipline, urging parents to exercise careful and loving discipline as an expression of their genuine concern for their children’s character development.
Psalm 127:4-5
Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court.
This verse employs the analogy of arrows in the hands of a warrior to illustrate the value and reward of having children.
It suggests that having a full quiver of children is a blessing, portraying them as a source of strength, support, and protection even in times of challenges and opposition.
Psalm 139:13-14
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
This verse celebrates the intricacy and beauty of human life, acknowledging that God is intimately involved in the creation of every individual.
It reinforces the sanctity and value of every child, reminding parents of the privilege and responsibility they have in nurturing and raising a unique and precious creation of God.
Proverbs 17:6
Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.
This verse communicates the generational joy and blessing of having grandchildren, highlighting the honor and reward that comes with a legacy of faithful parenting.
It underscores the significance of raising children with love, wisdom, and integrity, as they become a source of pride and blessing not just for their parents but for future generations as well.
Psalm 78:4
We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the wonders he has done.
This verse emphasizes the responsibility of parents to pass down the stories and testimonies of God’s faithfulness and power to their children and future generations.
It highlights the importance of preserving and transmitting the knowledge and experiences of God’s work as a means of cultivating faith and nurturing a vibrant relationship with Him.
1 Timothy 5:8
Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
This verse addresses the responsibility of parents to provide for and care for their families, emphasizing the importance of meeting the physical and material needs of their children.
It urges parents to prioritize the well-being and provision of their own household, recognizing that neglecting this duty can undermine their witness as believers.
Proverbs 29:17
Discipline your children, and they will give you peace; they will bring you the delights you desire.
This verse highlights the correlation between proper discipline and the resulting peace and joy within a family.
It encourages parents to instill a sense of discipline and structure in their children’s lives, recognizing that it leads to harmonious relationships and the fulfillment of both parental and children’s desires.
Psalm 145:4
One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts.
This verse emphasizes the intergenerational transmission of faith and the testimonies of God’s wonderful works.
It reminds parents of their role as conduits of God’s story, urging them to pass down the knowledge and experiences of His faithfulness to the next generation, ensuring continuity in worship and devotion.
Deuteronomy 4:9
Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.
This verse underscores the importance of personal remembrance and intentional teaching of God’s faithfulness and commandments to future generations.
It serves as a reminder to parents to continually nurture their own faith and commitment to God, while actively passing down the values and stories of His works to their children and subsequent generations.
3 John 1:4
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.
This verse expresses the deep joy and satisfaction that comes from witnessing children embrace and follow the truth of God’s Word.
It emphasizes the ultimate desire of parents for their children to live lives that honor and reflect the teachings and principles of the Lord, recognizing that this brings immeasurable joy to both the parents and the children themselves.
Proverbs 4:1-2
Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding. I give you sound learning, so do not forsake my teaching.
This verse highlights the importance of parental instruction and guidance, as fathers (and parents) impart wisdom and understanding to their children.
It serves as an exhortation to children to actively listen, respect, and value the teachings and advice of their parents, recognizing the great value in the knowledge and experience they have to share.
Deuteronomy 11:19
Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
This verse underscores the continuous and intentional nature of teaching and sharing God’s commandments and principles with children.
It instructs parents to seize every opportunity in daily life to engage in conversations about faith and to integrate the truths of God’s Word into everyday routines and activities.
Psalm 78:6-7
so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children. Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands.
This verse emphasizes the continuity of faith through generations, highlighting the importance of passing down knowledge and experiences of God’s faithfulness to future descendants.
It underscores the intention behind such transmission, which is to instill trust in God, nurture obedience to His commands, and ensure a lasting remembrance of His mighty acts.
Psalm 112:1-2
Praise the LORD. Blessed are those who fear the LORD, who find great delight in his commands. Their children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed.
This verse speaks to the blessings and favor that come upon those who fear and honor the Lord, highlighting the positive impact it has on their children and future generations.
It suggests that living in accordance with God’s commands not only brings personal blessings but also extends to the prosperity and well-being of one’s offspring and subsequent righteous generations.
Proverbs 23:24-25
The father of a righteous child has great joy; a man who fathers a wise son rejoices in him. May your father and mother rejoice; may she who gave you birth be joyful!
This verse expresses the deep joy and gladness that comes from raising a child who is righteous and wise.
It acknowledges the immense happiness experienced by parents when they see their children walking in wisdom and righteousness, bringing honor and joy not only to the parents but also to the mother who gave them birth.
Psalm 103:17-18
But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children— with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts.
This verse highlights the enduring love and faithfulness of God towards those who fear Him, extending His righteousness to future generations who uphold His covenant and follow His commandments.
It instills hope and confidence in parents, knowing that their faithfulness and obedience to God can have a multi-generational impact, resulting in His blessings and favor upon their children’s children.
Matthew 19:14
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
This verse reveals Jesus’ heart for children and His desire for them to have unhindered access to Himself and the kingdom of heaven.
It reminds parents of the importance of encouraging their children’s spiritual growth and relationship with Jesus, allowing them to freely approach Him and experience the fullness of His love and grace.
Proverbs 14:26
Whoever fears the LORD has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge.
This verse highlights the protection and security that comes from fearing and honoring the Lord.
It assures parents that their children will also find safety and refuge when they are raised in an environment where the fear of the Lord is cultivated, ensuring that they are shielded and guided by His divine presence.
Proverbs 3:11-12
My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.
This verse conveys the wisdom of embracing and accepting God’s discipline and correction, comparing it to a father’s loving correction towards his beloved child.
It encourages parents to model and instruct their children in appreciating the loving discipline of the Lord, recognizing that it is a sign of His affection and commitment to their growth and maturity.