Parenting is a sacred responsibility, and the Bible offers timeless wisdom on raising children with love, guidance, and godly principles. Explore the scriptures that provide insights into nurturing and teaching the next generation. These verses will equip you with valuable lessons to navigate the challenges and joys of parenthood.
Also Read: 25 Bible Verses For a Troubled Marriage (With Commentary)
Bible Verses About Raising Children
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 highlights the importance of teaching and guiding children in the right path. It suggests that the way a child is raised will have a lasting impact on their future path. By instilling godly values and principles from a young age, parents can help shape their children’s moral compass and set them on a course towards righteousness. This verse also implies the need for consistent and intentional parenting, as the impact of early training can endure into adulthood.
Deuteronomy 6:6-7
“And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. 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 passage emphasizes the importance of actively teaching children about God’s commandments and principles. It encourages parents to have an ongoing and intentional conversation with their children about God’s Word, incorporating it into all aspects of life. By consistently discussing and applying biblical principles, parents can help their children develop a strong foundation of faith and a deep understanding of God’s truth.
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 specifically addresses fathers and emphasizes the need for them to raise their children in a way that is both loving and disciplined. It advises against harsh and overbearing parenting that can lead to frustration and anger in children. Instead, fathers are encouraged to provide guidance and instruction rooted in the Lord’s ways. By maintaining a balance of love and discipline, fathers can help cultivate a healthy and respectful relationship with their children.
Proverbs 29:17
“Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your heart.”
This verse highlights the positive outcomes of discipline when raising children. It suggests that when parents consistently discipline and correct their children, it will lead to peace and joy within the family. Discipline is not meant to be punitive but rather a form of guidance and correction that helps children develop character and make wise choices. When children understand boundaries and consequences, it brings a sense of security and peace to their lives and to the family as a whole.
Proverbs 13:24
“Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.”
This verse highlights the importance of consistent and firm discipline in parenting. It suggests that withholding necessary correction is not an act of love, but rather a lack of care for a child’s well-being. Proper discipline is an expression of love and concern for a child’s growth and development. When parents diligently discipline their children, they are guiding and shaping them towards maturity and imparting valuable life skills.
Psalm 127:3
“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.”
This verse reminds us that children are a precious gift from God. It emphasizes the divine origin of children and the role parents have in stewarding this blessing. Children are not possessions but rather a heritage, something to be treasured and nurtured. This verse reminds parents of their responsibility to care for and raise their children in accordance with God’s wisdom and guidance.
Colossians 3:21
“Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.”
This verse addresses fathers again and encourages them to avoid behaviors that can discourage or dishearten their children. It reminds fathers of the influence they have on their children’s emotional well-being and urges them to be mindful of their words and actions. By treating their children with kindness, respect, and understanding, fathers can help foster a healthy and loving environment that promotes growth and emotional well-being.
Proverbs 23:13-14
“Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you strike him with a rod, he will not die. If you strike him with the rod, you will save his soul from Sheol.”
This passage emphasizes the importance of discipline in the upbringing of children. It encourages parents not to shy away from correcting and disciplining their children when necessary. The mention of using a rod refers to a form of physical discipline common in ancient times, but the essence of the verse speaks to the need for consistent correction. The purpose of discipline is not to harm or abuse a child but rather to redirect them towards the right path and protect them from the consequences of unwise choices.
Psalm 78:4-6
“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. He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers to teach to their children, that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children.”
This passage emphasizes the importance of passing down the knowledge of God’s faithfulness and deeds to future generations. It encourages parents to share their faith and the stories of God’s wonderous works to their children. By doing so, they create a legacy of faith that can be passed down from generation to generation, ensuring that God’s truth and love continue to be proclaimed. It highlights the responsibility of parents to teach their children the ways of the Lord and nurture a strong foundation of faith within the family.
Psalm 139:13-16
“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.”
This verse recognizes the sovereignty of God in the creation of every human being. It speaks to the inherent value and worth of every child, knowing that they are fearfully and wonderfully made by God. This verse not only affirms the sanctity of life but also reminds parents of their unique and privileged role in nurturing and caring for their children. It highlights the significance and purpose of each child’s life, which is ordained and known by God even before their birth.
Psalm 78:5-7
“He commanded our fathers to teach their children, that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children, so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments; and that they should not be like their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation whose heart was not steadfast, whose spirit was not faithful to God.”
This passage reiterates the importance of passing down the knowledge and faith of God to future generations. It emphasizes the need for parents to teach their children about God’s works and commandments, so that they may place their hope in God and not repeat the mistakes of previous generations. By instilling a steadfast and faithful heart within their children, parents have the power to shape a generation that is committed to following God’s ways and walking in His truth.
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 human fathers and God’s fatherly nature. It points to the deep love, care, and compassion that fathers have for their children and highlights how God’s love and compassion are even greater. It reminds parents that their role as a loving, compassionate, and supportive figure in their children’s lives reflects the character and nature of God. When parents love their children with compassion and grace, they provide a glimpse of God’s unconditional love for His children.
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.”
These verses provide a poetic comparison, likening children to arrows in the hand of a warrior. It suggests that children are a source of strength and blessing to their parents. A quiver full of arrows represents a household filled with children, which brings joy and protection to the family. This passage reminds parents of the importance of valuing and investing in their children, as they are a gift entrusted by God and can bring a sense of honor and confidence to their parents.
Mark 10:13-16
“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. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.’ And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.”
This passage illustrates Jesus’ love and acceptance for children. It demonstrates the value and significance that Jesus places on the hearts and minds of children. Jesus rebukes the disciples for trying to prevent children from coming to Him, emphasizing that childlike faith and humility are essential for entering the kingdom of God. Parents can take comfort and encouragement from this passage, knowing that Jesus welcomes and blesses children, and desires for them to have a relationship with Him.
Proverbs 20:7
“The righteous who walks in his integrity— blessed are his children after him!”
This verse recognizes the positive impact of a righteous and upright life on future generations. It suggests that the blessings and benefits of righteousness extend beyond the individual and onto their children. When parents live according to God’s principles and walk in integrity, their children are likely to follow in their footsteps and experience the fruit of righteousness. This verse highlights the immense influence that parents have on shaping the destiny of their children and encourages them to pursue lives of integrity and righteousness.
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.”
These verses emphasize the value and importance of heeding parental instruction and guidance. It encourages children to listen and learn from their parents’ wisdom and teachings. This verse paints a beautiful picture of parental guidance being like a graceful garland or precious adornments, bringing honor and beauty to a child’s life. It reminds children to value and cherish the wisdom and guidance they receive from their parents as they navigate through life.
Psalm 34:11
“Come, O children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.”
These words reflect the heart of a teacher and mentor, eager to pass on knowledge and understanding of the fear of the Lord to the next generation. This verse calls children to listen and be willing to be instructed in the ways of the Lord. It acknowledges that teaching children about the fear of the Lord is a sacred responsibility entrusted to parents and older generations. As parents, it is crucial to take up this responsibility and teach our children to reverence and honor God in all aspects of their lives.
1 Timothy 3:4-5
“He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church?”
This verse addresses the qualifications for leaders within the church, emphasizing the importance of managing one’s household well. It recognizes that a leader’s ability to lead and care for God’s people is connected to their ability to lead and care for their own family. It highlights the significance of maintaining order, discipline, and respect within the household, starting with the obedience and submission of children. This verse emphasizes the role of parents in creating an environment that fosters obedience and respect to prepare children for their future roles and responsibilities.
Proverbs 22:15
“Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him.”
This verse acknowledges the natural tendency for children to lean towards foolishness and unwise choices. It speaks to the need for discipline as a means to correct and guide children away from foolishness. The mention of the rod refers to a form of physical discipline that was common in ancient times, but the underlying message is the importance of consistent discipline in shaping a child’s character and behavior. It encourages parents to lovingly correct their children, helping them grow in wisdom and understanding.
1 Samuel 1:27-28
“For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition that I made to him. Therefore I have lent him to the Lord. As long as he lives, he is lent to the Lord.”
These verses are spoken by Hannah, who prays for a child and dedicates him to the Lord. It highlights the significance of recognizing that children are ultimately gifts from God and belong to Him. It reminds parents of the importance of dedicating their children to the Lord and entrusting their lives and future to Him. This verse also emphasizes the responsibility of parents to raise their children in a way that brings honor to God and fulfills the purpose for which they were created.
Psalm 145:4
“One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.”
This verse speaks to the importance of passing down the testimony and knowledge of God’s faithfulness and powerful acts from one generation to another. It reminds parents of their role as witnesses and storytellers, passing on the stories of God’s goodness to their children. It emphasizes the need to proclaim and declare God’s mighty acts to future generations, ensuring that His works are never forgotten. This verse encourages parents to actively share with their children about God’s faithfulness and provision, stirring up faith and trust in God within the younger generation.
Psalm 22:9-10
“Yet you are he who took me from the womb; you made me trust you at my mother’s breasts. On you was I cast from my birth, and from my mother’s womb you have been my God.”
This verse acknowledges God’s involvement and presence in every stage of a child’s life. It recognizes that even from the moment of conception, God is intimately involved in their formation. It encourages parents to raise their children with an awareness of God’s hand upon their lives, helping them to develop a deep trust and dependence on Him from an early age. It reminds parents that they are not alone in the task of raising their children but can rely on God’s guidance and grace every step of the way.
What does the Bible say About Raising Children?
When it comes to raising children, the Bible provides us with valuable guidance and principles that can help shape our approach as parents and caregivers. While the Bible doesn’t offer a step-by-step parenting manual, it does offer overarching themes and principles that can serve as a foundation for how we raise our children.
1. Teach and Train Them
In the Bible, there’s a strong emphasis on teaching and training children in the ways of the Lord. Proverbs 22:6 (NIV) states, “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old, they will not turn from it.” This verse encourages us to instill moral and spiritual values in our children from a young age. It underscores the importance of modeling and teaching them a strong moral foundation.
2. Discipline with Love
Proverbs 13:24 (NIV) says, “Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.” Discipline is an essential aspect of parenting, but it should be done with love and correction in mind rather than punishment. This means providing guidance and boundaries while showing compassion and understanding.
3. Be a Role Model
Children often learn by example. Therefore, it’s crucial for parents and caregivers to model the behavior, attitudes, and values they wish to instill in their children. Ephesians 6:4 (NIV) advises, “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” This verse reminds us of our responsibility to set a positive example.
4. Show Unconditional Love
God’s love for us is often described as unconditional, and as parents, we should strive to emulate this type of love. In Colossians 3:21 (NIV), it says, “Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.” This verse highlights the importance of offering love and encouragement rather than harsh criticism.
5. Pray for Them
Prayer plays a significant role in parenting according to the Bible. We are encouraged to pray for our children’s well-being, guidance, and protection. Psalm 127:3 (NIV) reminds us, “Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.” This verse reinforces the idea that our children are a gift from God, and we should seek His guidance in raising them.
6. Be Patient and Forgiving
Parenting is challenging, and there will be times when we make mistakes. It’s essential to be patient with ourselves and our children. Colossians 3:13 (NIV) encourages us to “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” This verse reminds us that forgiveness and patience should be central in our parenting journey.
In summary, the Bible provides us with timeless principles for raising children. These principles include teaching and training, discipline with love, being a positive role model, showing unconditional love, praying for our children, and practicing patience and forgiveness. By incorporating these principles into our parenting, we can strive to raise children who grow up with strong moral and spiritual foundations.