What does the Bible say about caring for children?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that children are a precious gift from God, entrusted to parents for loving provision, faithful instruction, and gentle discipline in the Lord. Psalm 127:3-5 calls them a heritage from the Lord, while 1 Timothy 5:8 stresses the family’s duty to provide for its own. Proverbs 22:6 urges parents to train children in the way of wisdom, and Ephesians 6:1-4 commands children to obey while charging fathers not to provoke them, but to nurture them in the Lord’s discipline and instruction. Jesus welcomed children in Mark 10:13-16, showing their value in his kingdom. Such care reflects God’s fatherly love revealed supremely in giving his Son for sinners.

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • 1 Timothy 5:8

    But if anyone doesn't provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever.

  • Psalms 127:3-5

    [3] Behold, children are a heritage of Yahweh. The fruit of the womb is his reward. [4] As arrows in the hand of a mighty man, So are the children of youth. [5] Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them. They won't be disappointed when they speak with their enemies in the gate.

  • Proverbs 22:6

    Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.

  • Ephesians 6:1-4

    [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." [4] You fathers, don't provoke your children to wrath, but nurture them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

  • Mark 10:13-15

    [13] They were bringing to him little children, that he should touch them, but the disciples rebuked those who were bringing them. [14] But when Jesus saw it, he was moved with indignation, and said to them, "Allow the little children to come to me! Don't forbid them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. [15] Most assuredly I tell you, whoever will not receive the Kingdom of God like a little child, he will in no way enter into it."

  • Ephesians 6:4

    You fathers, don't provoke your children to wrath, but nurture them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

  • Colossians 3:21

    Fathers, don't provoke your children, so that they won't be discouraged.

  • Mark 10:13-16

    [13] They were bringing to him little children, that he should touch them, but the disciples rebuked those who were bringing them. [14] But when Jesus saw it, he was moved with indignation, and said to them, "Allow the little children to come to me! Don't forbid them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. [15] Most assuredly I tell you, whoever will not receive the Kingdom of God like a little child, he will in no way enter into it." [16] He took them in his arms, and blessed them, laying his hands on them.

  • John 3:16

    For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

  • Psalms 127:3

    Behold, children are a heritage of Yahweh. The fruit of the womb is his reward.

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