What does the Bible say about child abuse?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible condemns the harming, exploitation, and cruel treatment of children, calling adults to protect, nurture, and discipline them with godly love. Jesus gives a severe warning against causing little ones to stumble in Mark 9:42 and Matthew 18:6, while Mark 10:14 shows His tender welcome of children. Fathers are commanded not to provoke or discourage their children, but to raise them in the Lord's instruction (Ephesians 6:4; Colossians 3:21). Proverbs commends faithful correction and training, never harshness or violence (Proverbs 19:18; 22:6, 15). God sees wrongdoing, judges the unrepentant, and calls His people to defend the vulnerable with truth, care, repentance, and justice.