Taking care of family is a central value in Scripture. The Bible calls believers to honor and provide for their loved ones. Today, we’ll learn how Scripture encourages us to show love and responsibility within our families.
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What Does The Bible Say About Taking Care Of Family
1 Timothy 5:8
But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
This verse emphasizes the importance of taking care of one’s family, particularly those within our own household. Failing to provide for our relatives goes against the teachings of faith and portrays a lack of responsibility, placing us in a worse position than unbelievers.
Proverbs 11:29
Whoever brings ruin on their family will inherit only wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise.
This verse cautions against actions that bring harm or destruction to one’s family. Those who cause harm to their family will find that their inheritance amounts to nothing but emptiness, while the foolish person will serve the wise.
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 addresses the responsibility of fathers to raise their children in a loving and nurturing environment. It advises fathers to avoid actions or behaviors that may lead to anger in their children and instead, guide them in the ways of the Lord through discipline and instruction.
Matthew 15:4
For God said, “Honor your father and mother” and “Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death.”
Here, Jesus emphasizes the commandment to honor one’s parents. Cursing or disrespecting our parents is deemed a severe offense, worthy of death, reminding us of the importance of treating our family members with respect and honor.
Proverbs 15:20
A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother.
This verse emphasizes the impact of a child’s behavior on their parents. A wise and obedient child brings joy and pride to their father, while a foolish person shows contempt and disrespect towards their mother.
1 Timothy 3:4
He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive.
This verse highlights the importance of a man’s ability to lead and manage his own household. The responsibility includes maintaining dignity and establishing an environment where children willingly submit to proper authority.
Proverbs 22:6
Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old, they will not turn from it.
Instructing parents to train their children in the right path, this verse suggests that early guidance will have a lasting impact on the child’s behavior. By offering proper guidance from a young age, parents can help instill values and faith that will endure into adulthood.
Colossians 3:21
Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.
This verse highlights the effect that a father’s treatment can have on his children. Parents are encouraged not to provoke or dishearten their children, as doing so may lead to their discouragement and potential rebellion.
Proverbs 13:22
A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but the sinner’s wealth is laid up for the righteous.
This verse speaks to the importance of wise financial planning and the responsibility to provide for future generations. A righteous person strives to leave a lasting inheritance for their children and grandchildren, while the wealth of the sinner eventually benefits the righteous.
Mark 7:10
For Moses said, “Honor your father and your mother” and, “Whoever reviles father or mother must surely die.”
In this verse, Jesus affirms the commandment to honor one’s parents, quoting from the writings of Moses. He reinforces the seriousness of speaking evil against or dishonoring one’s parents, emphasizing a dire consequence for doing so.
Proverbs 19:14
Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the LORD.
This verse acknowledges the significance of inherited houses and wealth from parents. Additionally, it recognizes that a wise and virtuous wife is a gift from the Lord, highlighting the importance of choosing a life partner wisely.
Exodus 20:12
Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.
As one of the Ten Commandments, this verse emphasizes the value and reward associated with honoring one’s parents. By honoring our parents, we not only show respect but also ensure a long and blessed life in the land that God has given us.
Proverbs 23:22
Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.
This verse instructs children to listen to their fathers, who played a vital role in their creation, and to never despise or neglect their mothers, particularly when they grow old and require care and support.
Psalm 127:3
Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward.
Recognizing children as a blessing from the Lord, this verse highlights the significance and value of having children as a heritage and a precious gift from God.
Mark 3:35
For whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother.
In this verse, Jesus expands the definition of family beyond biology and emphasizes the importance of spiritual connections. Those who fulfill the will of God are regarded as Jesus’ family, emphasizing the significance of spiritual bonds in the community of believers.
Proverbs 14:1
The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands, the foolish one tears hers down.
This verse highlights the impact of a woman’s actions on her household. A wise woman contributes to the building and nurturing of her family and home, while a foolish woman’s actions result in destruction and instability.
Psalm 103:17
But the steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children’s children.
This verse assures us of God’s enduring and steadfast love. It promises that the Lord’s righteousness extends beyond the generation of its initial recipients, reaching and blessing future generations.
Genesis 2:24
That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.
Through this verse, we learn about the establishment of the institution of marriage and the unity between a husband and wife. It signifies the commitment to form a new family unit that is distinct from their individual family of origin.
Proverbs 31:27
She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
This verse commends a virtuous woman who diligently attends to the affairs of her household. It reflects the importance of managing one’s household with care, industry, and providing for the needs of the family.
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 arise.
This verse instructs parents to diligently teach their children about the ways of the Lord. It encourages continuous conversations about faith and the teachings of God, whether at home, during daily activities, or at bedtime, nurturing a spiritual foundation within the family.
Psalm 128:3
Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table.
This verse paints a beautiful picture of a blessed family life. It describes a wife as a source of fruitfulness and vitality within the home, and children as the symbols of growth and prosperity around the family table.
Proverbs 20:7
The righteous who walks in his integrity— blessed are his children after him!
This verse highlights the profound impact of a righteous person’s life on their children’s future. By living with integrity, one brings forth a blessing that extends to the next generation.
Deuteronomy 4:9
Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children’s children.
Instructing the Israelites, this verse emphasizes the importance of passing down the knowledge and experiences of God to future generations. It encourages parents to diligently teach their children about God’s faithfulness and ensure that His deeds are never forgotten.
Proverbs 6:20
My son, keep your father’s commandment, and forsake not your mother’s teaching.
This verse advises children to value and obey the commandments of their fathers and the teachings of their mothers. It underlines the importance of respecting and following the guidance of both parents.
1 Corinthians 7:14
For the unbelieving husband is made holy because of his wife, and the unbelieving wife is made holy because of her husband. Otherwise, your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy.
This verse speaks to the unique influence a believing parent can have on the spiritual wellbeing of their family. Through the faith of one parent, the entire family is set apart and regarded as holy by God.