The Bible speaks strongly about protecting and caring for children. If you’re wondering what scripture says about harming a child, you’ll find clear passages that highlight the importance of nurturing and valuing young lives, reminding us of the grave responsibility we hold as caretakers and protectors.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Being Messy
What Does The Bible Say About Harming 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 causing harm to a child. It highlights the grave consequences that await those who cause a child to stumble in their faith. It serves as a warning against leading children astray and emphasizes the importance of nurturing their spiritual growth.
Jesus’ strong language in this verse demonstrates His deep concern for the well-being and protection of children, urging us to treat them with kindness, love, and respect, ensuring that they are shielded from spiritual harm.
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 highlights the significance of nurturing children and training them in the right path from an early age. It emphasizes the long-term impact of instilling godly values and teaching children about righteousness. When children are raised in the fear and knowledge of the Lord, they are more likely to remain steadfast in their faith throughout their lives.
Parents, guardians, and educators have a responsibility to guide children towards God’s ways, knowing that the foundation laid in their early years will greatly influence their future decisions, character, and beliefs.
Mark 9:42
“Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea.”
Similar to Matthew 18:6, this verse serves as a strong warning against leading children astray and causing them to stumble. It emphasizes the severe consequences that await those who harm the faith of a child. Jesus’ words emphasize the need to protect and nurture the spiritual well-being of children.
It is a solemn responsibility to provide an environment where children can grow in faith without hindrance, ensuring their innocence and vulnerability are safeguarded from any harmful influences.
Proverbs 13:24
“Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.”
This verse speaks about discipline as an act of love towards a child. It emphasizes the importance of corrective measures to guide children towards the right path and form their character. Discipline is an expression of love and care, helping children understand the boundaries of right and wrong.
However, it is essential to note that discipline should never be excessive or abusive. It should be done with wisdom, patience, and a desire for the child’s well-being, always tempered by love and understanding.
Proverbs 19:18
“Discipline your son, for there is hope; do not set your heart on putting him to death.”
This verse encourages parents to discipline their children while holding onto the hope of their growth and redemption. It emphasizes the importance of correction in a child’s life to guide them away from destructive behaviors and towards a positive future.
Discipline should never be seen as a means to harm or cause lasting damage to a child but as a pathway towards their improvement and ultimate well-being.
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 speaks directly to fathers, reminding them of their influential role in raising children. It emphasizes the need for fathers to provide discipline and instruction in a way that is nurturing and encouraging rather than causing resentment or anger.
Fathers are called to exemplify the character of Christ, leading their children towards righteousness and teaching them the ways of the Lord through love, patience, and gentle correction.
Psalm 127:3
“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.”
This verse reminds us of the precious gift that children are in the sight of God. It highlights the responsibility we have to care for and nurture them, acknowledging that they are a blessing given to us by God Himself.
When we understand the value of children, we recognize the need to protect their well-being, ensuring they grow up in an environment filled with love, support, and spiritual guidance.
Proverbs 29:15
“The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of discipline and correction in a child’s life. It highlights the role of parents in imparting wisdom and guidance, preventing their children from engaging in behaviors that bring disgrace and shame.
An absence of discipline and correction can lead to negative consequences, making it crucial for parents or guardians to lovingly guide and teach children the right path.
Psalm 34:11
“Come, O children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.”
This verse captures the heart of an adult who desires to mentor and instruct children in the ways of the Lord. It encourages children to listen and learn from those who have wisdom and understanding in matters of faith.
As adults, it is our privilege and responsibility to guide children, leading them in paths of righteousness, imparting godly knowledge, and helping them develop a reverent fear and awe of the Lord.
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 reflects the importance of continuous teaching and discussion about God’s ways within the family. It emphasizes that faith should be integrated into every aspect of life, allowing parents and guardians numerous opportunities to impart spiritual truths to their children.
The home environment plays a vital role in shaping a child’s faith and character. By intentionally incorporating conversations about God, His Word, and expressions of faith into daily routines, we establish a strong foundation for children to grow in their knowledge and love for the Lord.
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.”
While this verse emphasizes the necessity of discipline in a child’s life, it is crucial to interpret it within its cultural context. The mention of the rod indicates the use of appropriate and proportionate physical correction, not excessive or abusive punishment.
Discipline, when administered in love, helps children understand the consequences of their actions, redirects them from harmful behaviors, and ultimately aids in shaping their character and leading them towards a righteous path.
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 that children are prone to foolishness and the need for discipline to correct their behavior. It underscores the role of parents or guardians in guiding children towards wisdom, using appropriate measures to steer them away from destructive paths.
Effective discipline helps children develop self-control, discernment, and a deep understanding of right and wrong.
Deuteronomy 21:18-21
“If a man has a stubborn and rebellious son who will not obey the voice of his father or the voice of his mother and, though they discipline him, will not listen to them, then his father and his mother shall take hold of him and bring him out to the elders of his city at the gate of the place where he lives, and they shall say to the elders of his city, ‘This our son is stubborn and rebellious; he will not obey our voice; he is a glutton and a drunkard.’ Then all the men of the city shall stone him to death with stones. So you shall purge the evil from your midst, and all Israel shall hear, and fear.”
This passage addresses a specific scenario in which extreme rebelliousness and disobedience were exhibited by a wayward son. The strictness of the punishment reflects the seriousness of the offense in the society and the need for communal intervention.
While different cultural and historical contexts need to be considered, the underlying message speaks to the importance of addressing severe and persistent disobedience in children, seeking proper guidance and intervention.
Proverbs 13:1
“A wise son hears his father’s instruction, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.”
This verse highlights the contrast between a wise and teachable child versus one who rejects instruction. It underscores the importance of listening and heeding the guidance of parents or guardians, contrasting it with the consequences of a scoffing and dismissive attitude.
Children who demonstrate a teachable spirit and openness to correction are more likely to grow in wisdom, humility, and godliness.
Proverbs 29:17
“Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your heart.”
This verse emphasizes the positive outcomes of discipline and correction when administered with love and wisdom. It reveals that proper discipline fosters an environment of peace, rest, and joy within the family.
When children are guided and molded through discipline, they bring joy and satisfaction to the hearts of their parents or guardians.
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 shown by fathers towards their children and the boundless compassion of the Lord towards those who revere Him. It highlights the nurturing and caring nature of fathers and uses this as an illustration of God’s tenderheartedness.
Just as fathers are called to extend compassion to their children, we can rest assured that our Heavenly Father’s love and compassion towards us are infinitely greater, offering comfort, guidance, and restoration in any area where we have experienced harm.
Proverbs 20:11
“Even a child makes himself known by his acts, by whether his conduct is pure and upright.”
This verse acknowledges the importance of a child’s conduct and actions in reflecting their character. It suggests that even at a young age, children have the capability to demonstrate purity and uprightness in their behavior.
As adults, we should encourage and guide children to exemplify noble virtues, helping them grow into individuals who reflect the goodness and righteousness of God.
Mark 10:14
“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 reveals Jesus’ heart for children and His desire for them to experience His love and grace. It underscores the significance of nurturing children’s relationship with Jesus and allowing them to freely approach Him.
As adults, we should create an environment that encourages children to draw near to Jesus, embracing their innocence and childlike faith, and fostering their understanding of God’s kingdom.
Proverbs 13:20
“Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.”
This verse highlights the importance of the company we keep and its impact on our character and well-being. It encourages children to surround themselves with wise individuals who will influence them positively.
Children should be guided to make wise choices in their friendships and associations, ensuring that they are influenced by individuals who will contribute to their spiritual, emotional, and intellectual growth.
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 passage likens children to arrows in a warrior’s hand, symbolizing their potential to impact the world. It emphasizes the blessing of having children and the honor they bring to their parents.
The responsibility lies with parents to raise their children with purpose, understanding the significance of their role in equipping them to fulfill God’s plans and purposes.
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 individuals to rise above societal expectations, setting an example for others through their speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. It reminds children that they have the capability to positively influence those around them.
Nurturing children and teenagers to embrace their identity in Christ equips them to impact their generation and become leaders who bring about positive change.
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 importance of valuing parental guidance and instruction. It describes the wisdom imparted by parents as an adornment, bringing beauty, favor, and protection to a child’s life.
Children are called to honor and appreciate the wisdom and teaching passed down to them from their parents, recognizing the immense value it brings to their lives.
Proverbs 1:15-16
“My son, do not walk in the way with them; hold back your foot from their paths, for their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed blood.”
This verse advises children against walking in the ways of those who desire to do evil. It warns against following the crowd when they are bent on destructive paths that lead to harm and violence.
Children should be taught discernment, encouraging them to make choices that align with God’s principles rather than being swayed by the negative influences of their peers.
Proverbs 3:1-2
“My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you.”
This passage urges children to treasure the teachings and commandments passed down by their parents or guardians. It emphasizes the benefits of embracing godly wisdom, which results in long and prosperous lives filled with peace.
By embracing and internalizing these principles, children are equipped to make wise choices and experience the blessings that come from aligning their lives with God’s truth.