Parenting doesn’t stop when your children become adults. The Bible offers wisdom on how to continue guiding, supporting, and loving your grown children without overstepping boundaries. Let’s explore how Scripture addresses this unique season of parenting.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Favoring One Child Over Another
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 and consistent guidance in shaping the character and values of a child. It highlights the long-term impact that parenting has on the choices and behaviors of children even into adulthood.
As parents, we must strive to teach our children principles of wisdom, righteousness, and faith from a young age, trusting that these teachings will shape their character and guide their decisions throughout their lives.
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 focuses on the role of fathers in parenting. It encourages fathers to be positive and nurturing influences in the lives of their children, avoiding harsh or unfair treatment that may lead to anger or resentment.
A father’s responsibility is to provide discipline and instruction rooted in the teachings of the Lord, promoting spiritual growth and character development in their children.
Colossians 3:21
“Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.”
Similar to Ephesians 6:4, this verse cautions fathers against treating their children in a way that causes discouragement or a loss of motivation. It highlights the importance of nurturing an environment of love, acceptance, and encouragement within the family.
Parents should be mindful of their words and actions, ensuring they build up their children rather than tear them down. By fostering an atmosphere of encouragement, parents can help their adult children thrive and reach their full potential.
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 passage emphasizes the importance of heeding parental guidance and instruction. It encourages children to appreciate and value the wisdom and teachings passed down to them by their parents.
The guidance provided by parents serves as a symbol of honor and protection for adult children. It should be cherished and embraced throughout their lives, recognizing the valuable role parents play in shaping their character and providing moral compass.
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 discipline as an expression of love towards our children. It reminds parents that discipline is not solely about punishment but is a means to guide and correct their behavior.
In parenting adults, discipline may take different forms, such as setting boundaries and consequences for irresponsible actions. This verse encourages parents to approach discipline with diligence and love, understanding that it is an essential aspect of their role in shaping their children’s lives for the better.
Proverbs 15:20
“A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish man despises his mother.”
This verse emphasizes the impact of a child’s behavior on the joy and satisfaction of their parents. It highlights the importance of wisdom and discernment in making choices that bring joy and pride to parents as their children grow into adulthood.
Furthermore, it warns against disrespect or disregard for a mother’s role in the parenting process. Children are reminded to honor and value both their father and mother, recognizing the love, sacrifices, and guidance they have received.
Proverbs 29:17
“Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your heart.”
This verse underscores the positive outcomes of providing proper discipline to children. It suggests that through discipline, parents can find rest from worry and anxiety concerning their child’s choices and actions.
By instilling discipline and guidance, parents can experience joy, satisfaction, and delight in their adult children’s character development and responsible behavior.
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 continuous and intentional instruction of God’s commandments to children. Parents are encouraged to teach and discuss these principles consistently and throughout various contexts of daily life.
In parenting adults, it is vital to carry on this responsibility, using opportunities for conversation and reflection on God’s Word, helping adult children navigate life’s challenges and make wise decisions rooted in faith.
Proverbs 3:11-12
“My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the LORD reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.”
This verse reminds parents and children alike that the discipline and correction received from the Lord are expressions of His love and delight. It encourages children to embrace the lessons learned through discipline, understanding that it is ultimately for their own good.
As parents of adult children, we should strive to discipline them with love and patience, mirroring God’s example. This includes providing guidance, correction, and accountability, always with their best interests at heart.
Proverbs 23:22-25
“Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old. Buy truth, and do not sell it; buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding. The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice; he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him. Let your father and mother be glad; let her who bore you rejoice.”
In this passage, children are encouraged to value and respect their parents throughout all stages of life. It stresses the importance of cherishing the wisdom, instruction, and understanding passed down from parents.
The joy and gladness that a parent experiences when their adult child walks in righteousness and wisdom should be a motivator for children to honor and bring happiness to their parents.
Proverbs 30:17
“The eye that mocks a father and scorns to obey a mother will be picked out by the ravens of the valley and eaten by the vultures.”
This verse serves as a strong warning against disrespect or disobedience towards parents. It portrays the severe consequences that can come from mocking and disregarding the authority of one’s parents.
Children are reminded of the importance of obedience, respect, and honor towards their parents, recognizing the role they play in their lives and the valuable lessons they have to offer.
Psalm 127:3-5
“Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. 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 celebrates the gift of children as a blessing from the Lord. It portrays children as arrows in the hands of a warrior, symbolizing their potential to impact the world positively.
As parents of adult children, we are reminded of the significance of raising our children to be strong and courageous, equipped to face the challenges of life and make a difference in the world. It is a privilege and a responsibility to nurture and guide them in their journey.
1 Timothy 5:4
“But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God.”
This verse specifically addresses the responsibility of adult children to care for and honor their aging parents, particularly in the context of widowhood. It highlights the importance of showing godliness and making a return to parents who have invested in their lives.
Adult children are encouraged to demonstrate love, support, and respect towards their parents, recognizing the value and significance of their role in shaping their lives. This act of honoring parents is pleasing to God.
Proverbs 4:1-4
“Hear, O sons, a father’s instruction, and be attentive, that you may gain insight, for I give you good precepts; do not forsake my teaching. When I was a son with my father, tender, the only one in the sight of my mother, he taught me and said to me, ‘Let your heart hold fast my words; keep my commandments, and live.”
In this passage, a father imparts his wisdom and the value of his teachings to his son. It emphasizes the importance of attentive listening and being receptive to a father’s instruction.
As children grow into adults, the lessons and values passed down from parents should not be forsaken. They should be held tightly in their hearts, serving as guidance for making wise choices and living a life that honors God.
Proverbs 6:20-22
“My son, keep your father’s commandment and forsake not your mother’s teaching. Bind them on your heart always; tie them around your neck. When you walk, they will lead you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; and when you awake, they will talk with you.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of treasuring a father’s commandments and a mother’s teaching. It encourages children to internalize and keep these instructions close to their hearts as constant sources of wisdom and guidance.
The teachings of parents serve as faithful companions throughout all aspects of life, providing direction and protection. By embracing the values and principles taught by parents, adult children can navigate life’s journey with confidence and assurance.
Proverbs 23:24-25
“The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice; he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him. Let your father and mother be glad; let her who bore you rejoice.”
This verse highlights the joy and gladness that parents experience when their children walk in righteousness and wisdom. It emphasizes the importance of living a life that brings honor and happiness to one’s parents.
As adult children, we can bring immense joy and fulfillment to our parents by striving towards righteousness and wisdom, living out the values and teachings they have instilled in us. This brings delight and satisfaction to both parents and children alike.
Proverbs 20:20
“If one curses his father or his mother, his lamp will be put out in utter darkness.”
This verse warns against the grave consequences that result from cursing or disrespecting one’s parents. It highlights the seriousness of dishonoring the authority and role of parents in one’s life.
Children are called to honor and respect their parents, understanding the importance of this commandment and the impact it has on their own well-being and spiritual life.
Matthew 15:4
“For God commanded, ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘Whoever reviles father or mother must surely die.'”‘
In this verse, Jesus reaffirms the commandment to honor one’s father and mother. He emphasizes the gravity of reviling or speaking ill of one’s parents, portraying it as a serious offense.
As adult children, we are called to honor and respect our parents, recognizing the role they have played in our lives. This is not only a requirement of God’s commandment but also a reflection of our gratitude and appreciation for their love and sacrifices.
Proverbs 30:11
“There are those who curse their fathers and do not bless their mothers.”
This verse highlights the sad reality of children who curse their fathers and fail to bless their mothers. It draws attention to the lack of honor and gratitude shown towards parents by some individuals.
As adult children, we are reminded of the significance of expressing love, appreciation, and blessings to our parents. It is our duty to honor and uplift them, recognizing their essential role in our lives and the favor they have bestowed upon us.
Proverbs 19:26
“He who does violence to his father and chases away his mother is a son who brings shame and reproach.”
This verse portrays the destructive consequences of violent or disrespectful behavior towards one’s parents. It reveals the shame and reproach brought upon a child who mistreats their father and chases away their mother.
As adult children, we should be mindful of our actions and attitudes towards our parents, striving to show love, respect, and appreciation. By doing so, we honor their role and avoid any shame or reproach that may result from harmful behavior.
Exodus 20:12
“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.”
This verse highlights the importance of honoring one’s father and mother. It presents honoring parents as a commandment with a promise of a long life in the land of God’s provision.
By honoring our parents, we not only fulfill God’s commandment but also position ourselves to receive His blessings and favor. Honoring parents is a lifelong commitment that extends into adulthood, requiring respect, love, and gratitude.
Titus 2:1-5
“But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.”
This passage addresses the responsibility and influence of older men and women in guiding and teaching younger generations. It highlights the importance of sound doctrine and wise instructions in the context of adult mentoring.
As adult children, we can seek the guidance and wisdom of older men and women, recognizing their valuable contributions to our spiritual growth and character development. We should be open to their teaching and humbly receive their guidance, recognizing the importance of intergenerational discipleship.