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What does the Bible say about child rearing?

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The Bible teaches that children are a gracious gift from God, to be nurtured in the faith through loving instruction, wise discipline, and a godly example. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 calls parents to teach God’s words diligently in everyday life, while Proverbs 22:6 urges training children in the way they should go. Fathers especially are charged not to provoke or discourage their children, but to bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4; Colossians 3:21). Proverbs commends corrective discipline as an expression of faithful love, yet such correction must be wise, patient, and never harsh. Parents ultimately depend on God’s grace to shape hearts and raise children to know and fear Him.

Top passages, ranked by readers

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

  • 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 6:4

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

  • Psalms 127:3

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

  • Proverbs 13:24

    One who spares the rod hates his son, But one who loves him is careful to discipline him.

  • Proverbs 29:15

    The rod of correction gives wisdom, But a child left to himself causes shame to his mother.

  • Colossians 3:21

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

  • Deuteronomy 6:6-7

    [6] These words, which I command you this day, shall be on your heart; [7] and 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 up.

  • Proverbs 29:17

    Correct your son, and he will give you peace; Yes, he will bring delight to your soul.

  • Proverbs 23:13-14

    [13] Don't withhold correction from a child. If you punish him with the rod, he will not die. [14] Punish him with the rod, And save his soul from Sheol.

  • Proverbs 22:15

    Folly is bound up in the heart of a child: The rod of discipline drives it far from him.

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