What does the Bible say about authority over your children?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that parents have God-given authority to guide, instruct, and lovingly discipline their children, while children are called to obey and honor their parents in the Lord. Ephesians 6:1-3 and Colossians 3:20 present obedience and honor as fitting Christian duties, rooted in God’s commandment and promise. Parents are to teach God’s words diligently in daily life, as Deuteronomy 11:19 says, and to correct children with wise, hopeful discipline (Proverbs 19:18). Yet parental authority is not absolute or harsh: Colossians 3:21 warns fathers not to provoke or discourage their children. Christian parenting therefore reflects God’s fatherly care, exercising authority with truth, patience, prayer, and love.
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Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Colossians 3:20
Children, obey your parents in all things, for this pleases the Lord.
- Ephesians 6:1-3
[1] Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. [2] "Honor your father and mother," which is the first commandment with a promise: [3] "that it may be well with you, and you may live long on the earth."
- Hebrews 13:17
Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch on behalf of your souls, as those who will give account, that they may do this with joy, and not with groaning, for that would be unprofitable for you.
- Ephesians 6:2
"Honor your father and mother," which is the first commandment with a promise:
- Deuteronomy 11:19
You shall teach them your children, talking of them, when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise up.
- Ephesians 6:1
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.
- Proverbs 19:18
Discipline your son, for there is hope; Don't be a willing party to his death.
- Exodus 21:15
"Anyone who attacks his father or his mother shall be surely put to death.
- Exodus 20:12
"Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land which Yahweh your God gives you.
- Colossians 3:21
Fathers, don't provoke your children, so that they won't be discouraged.
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