What does the Bible say about child training?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that children are to be lovingly formed in the fear of the Lord through faithful instruction, wise discipline, and a godly example. Parents are called to keep God’s words in their own hearts and teach them diligently in the ordinary rhythms of life, as Deuteronomy 6:6-7 says. Proverbs commends early, patient correction and instruction, not harshness or neglect, while warning that undisciplined children are harmed by a lack of loving care. Ephesians 6:4 especially directs fathers not to provoke their children but to raise them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Such training depends on God’s grace, seeks the child’s lasting good, and finds its highest joy in children walking in the truth (3 John 1:4).
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.
- 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 13:24
One who spares the rod hates his son, But one who loves him is careful to discipline him.
- Ephesians 6:4
You fathers, don't provoke your children to wrath, but nurture them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
- 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.
- Deuteronomy 6:7
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.
- 3 John 1:4
I have no greater joy than this, to hear about my children walking in truth.
- Proverbs 6:20-21
[20] My son, keep your father's commandment, And don't forsake your mother's teaching. [21] Bind them continually on your heart. Tie them around your neck.
- Proverbs 19:18
Discipline your son, for there is hope; Don't be a willing party to his death.
- Proverbs 3:1
My son, don't forget my teaching; But let your heart keep my commandments:
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