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
You fathers, don't provoke your children to wrath, but nurture them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
- Proverbs 13:24
One who spares the rod hates his son, But one who loves him is careful to discipline him.
- Proverbs 19:18
Discipline your son, for there is hope; Don't be a willing party to his death.
- Proverbs 29:17
Correct your son, and he will give you peace; Yes, he will bring delight to your soul.
- Proverbs 22:15
Folly is bound up in the heart of a child: The rod of discipline drives it far from him.
- Proverbs 29:15
The rod of correction gives wisdom, But a child left to himself causes shame to his mother.
- Proverbs 22:6
Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.
- Colossians 3:21
Fathers, don't provoke your children, so that they won't be discouraged.
- Hebrews 12:11
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 exercised thereby.
- Proverbs 12:1
Whoever loves correction loves knowledge, But he who hates reproof is stupid.
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