What does the Bible say about disobedient children?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that children are to honor and obey their parents in the Lord, while parents are called to discipline them wisely and lovingly. Ephesians 6:1-3 presents obedience as good and God-honoring, joined to the promise attached to honoring father and mother. Scripture speaks soberly of persistent rebellion, as in Deuteronomy 21:18-21 and Proverbs 30:17, showing that contempt for parents is serious sin. Yet these severe Old Testament civil penalties also reveal sin's gravity, not a warrant for harshness in Christian homes. Proverbs 13:24 and 23:13-14 commend faithful correction, and the gospel calls families to repentance, patient instruction, and faith in Christ.