What does the Bible say about discipline kids?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible calls parents to train and correct their children with steadfast love, wise instruction, and self-controlled discipline that points them to the Lord. Ephesians 6:4 and Colossians 3:21 forbid harsh, provoking parenting, while Proverbs commends timely correction as a means of cultivating wisdom and restraining folly. Proverbs 13:24 teaches that loving discipline is not neglect, and Proverbs 29:17 promises the fruit of correction in a child’s growth and a family’s peace. Yet discipline must never be angry retaliation or abuse. Hebrews 12:11 presents godly discipline as painful for a time but intended to yield righteousness, reflecting the Father’s loving care for his children.
Top passages, ranked by readers
Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Ephesians 6:4 6 votes
You fathers, don’t provoke your children to wrath, but nurture them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
- Proverbs 13:24 6 votes
One who spares the rod hates his son, but one who loves him is careful to discipline him.
- Proverbs 19:18 4 votes
Discipline your son, for there is hope; don’t be a willing party to his death.
- Proverbs 29:17 4 votes
Correct your son, and he will give you peace; yes, he will bring delight to your soul.
- Proverbs 22:15 4 votes
Folly is bound up in the heart of a child; the rod of discipline drives it far from him.
- Proverbs 29:15 3 votes
The rod of correction gives wisdom, but a child left to himself causes shame to his mother.
- Proverbs 22:6 3 votes
Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.
- Colossians 3:21 3 votes
Fathers, don’t provoke your children, so that they won’t be discouraged.
- Hebrews 12:11 3 votes
All chastening seems for the present to be not joyous but grievous; yet afterward it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
- Proverbs 12:1 2 votes
Whoever loves correction loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.
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