What does the Bible say about controlling parents?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that parents are to exercise loving, godly care, not harsh or self-serving control that wounds, provokes, or displaces Christ’s rightful authority. Ephesians 6:4 and Colossians 3:21 warn fathers not to provoke or discourage their children, while 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 describes love as patient, kind, and not self-seeking. Parents should provide for and nurture their children, as 2 Corinthians 12:14 reflects, yet children ultimately belong to the Lord. Genesis 2:24 recognizes the new household formed in marriage, and Matthew 10:37-38 teaches that loyalty to Christ surpasses even family ties. Where family sin brings strife, James 3:16-18 calls believers to pursue the peace and wisdom from above.
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Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Colossians 3:21
Fathers, don't provoke your children, so that they won't be discouraged.
- 2 Corinthians 12:14
Behold, this is the third time I am ready to come to you, and I will not be a burden to you; for I seek not your possessions, but you. For the children ought not to save up for the parents, but the parents for the children.
- Ephesians 6:4
You fathers, don't provoke your children to wrath, but nurture them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
- 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
[4] Love is patient and is kind; love doesn't envy. Love doesn't brag, is not proud, [5] doesn't behave itself inappropriately, doesn't seek its own way, is not provoked, takes no account of evil; [6] doesn't rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; [7] bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
- Psalms 27:10
When my father and my mother forsake me, Then Yahweh will take me up.
- Matthew 10:36
A man's foes will be those of his own household.
- Genesis 2:24
Therefore a man will leave his father and his mother, and will join with his wife, and they will be one flesh.
- James 3:16-18
[16] For where jealousy and selfish ambition are, there is confusion and every evil deed. [17] But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceful, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. [18] Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
- Proverbs 11:29
He who troubles his own house shall inherit the wind. The foolish shall be servant to the wise of heart.
- Matthew 10:37-38
[37] He who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he who loves son or daughter more than me isn't worthy of me. [38] He who doesn't take his cross and follow after me, isn't worthy of me.
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