What does the Bible say about fathers?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that fathers are called to receive children as God’s gift and to lead their homes with tender, faithful, God-fearing love. Like the Father who has compassion on His children, earthly fathers should reflect His character through instruction, protection, discipline, and encouragement. Ephesians 6:4 and Colossians 3:21 warn fathers not to provoke or discourage their children, but to nurture them in the Lord’s discipline and teaching. Proverbs commends wise correction, joyful children, and honoring one’s father. Psalm 127:3-5 calls children a heritage from the Lord, while Malachi 4:6 portrays God’s restoring work as turning fathers’ hearts toward their children. Fathers ultimately depend on God’s grace to lead humbly and faithfully.
Top passages, ranked by readers
Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Psalms 103:13 4 votes
Like a father has compassion on his children, so Yahweh has compassion on those who fear him.
- Ephesians 6:4 3 votes
You fathers, don’t provoke your children to wrath, but nurture them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
- Proverbs 3:11-12 3 votes
My son, don’t despise Yahweh’s discipline, neither be weary of his correction; for whom Yahweh loves, he corrects, even as a father reproves the son in whom he delights.
- Colossians 3:21 3 votes
Fathers, don’t provoke your children, so that they won’t be discouraged.
- Proverbs 22:6 2 votes
Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.
- Proverbs 23:24 2 votes
The father of the righteous has great joy. Whoever fathers a wise child delights in him.
- Malachi 4:6 2 votes
He will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children and the hearts of the children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the earth with a curse.”
- Psalms 127:3-5 2 votes
Behold, children are a heritage of Yahweh. The fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows in the hand of a mighty man, so are the children of youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them. They won’t be disappointed when they speak with their enemies in the gate.
- Proverbs 23:22 2 votes
Listen to your father who gave you life, and don’t despise your mother when she is old.
- Proverbs 14:26 2 votes
In the fear of Yahweh is a secure fortress, and he will be a refuge for his children.
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