What does the Bible say about discipline of children?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that children are to be lovingly trained, corrected, and instructed in the fear of the Lord, never harshly provoked or treated as burdens. Proverbs commends timely, wise discipline as an expression of parental love, aimed at turning a child from folly and cultivating wisdom, self-control, and life (Proverbs 13:24; 19:18; 22:15; 29:17). Parents should begin this instruction diligently and consistently (Proverbs 22:6), yet discipline must serve restoration rather than anger. Ephesians 6:4 calls fathers especially to bring children up in the Lord's nurture and admonition without discouraging them. Hebrews 12:11 reminds believers that godly discipline, though painful for a time, bears the peaceful fruit of righteousness.
Top passages, ranked by readers
Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Proverbs 13:24 9 votes
One who spares the rod hates his son, but one who loves him is careful to discipline him.
- Hebrews 12:11 8 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 22:6 6 votes
Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.
- Proverbs 23:13-15 6 votes
Don’t withhold correction from a child. If you punish him with the rod, he will not die. Punish him with the rod, and save his soul from Sheol. My son, if your heart is wise, then my heart will be glad, even mine.
- Ephesians 6:4 5 votes
You fathers, don’t provoke your children to wrath, but nurture them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
- Proverbs 22:15 5 votes
Folly is bound up in the heart of a child; the rod of discipline drives it far from him.
- Proverbs 29:17 4 votes
Correct your son, and he will give you peace; yes, he will bring delight to your soul.
- Proverbs 29:15 4 votes
The rod of correction gives wisdom, but a child left to himself causes shame to his mother.
- Proverbs 19:18 3 votes
Discipline your son, for there is hope; don’t be a willing party to his death.
- Proverbs 12:1 3 votes
Whoever loves correction loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.
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