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What does the Bible say about hurting children?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible unequivocally condemns harming children and calls God’s people to protect, cherish, and nurture them as precious gifts from the Lord. Jesus gives a severe warning in Matthew 18:6, Mark 9:42, and Luke 17:2 against causing little ones who believe in him to stumble, while Matthew 18:10 reminds us that children are especially seen and valued by the Father. Psalm 127:3-5 calls children a heritage from the Lord, and Ephesians 6:4 commands parents to raise them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord rather than provoking them. God loves justice, forbids the killing of the innocent, and reserves vengeance for himself. Christians should therefore pursue patient, truthful love and practical care for vulnerable children.

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • Matthew 18:6

    but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to stumble, it would be better for him that a huge millstone should be hung around his neck, and that he should be sunk in the depths of the sea.

  • Luke 17:2

    It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, rather than that he should cause one of these little ones to stumble.

  • Mark 9:42

    Whoever will cause one of these little ones who believe in me to stumble, it would be better for him if he was thrown into the sea with a millstone hung around his neck.

  • Psalms 127:3-5

    [3] Behold, children are a heritage of Yahweh. The fruit of the womb is his reward. [4] As arrows in the hand of a mighty man, So are the children of youth. [5] 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.

  • Ephesians 6:4

    You fathers, don't provoke your children to wrath, but nurture them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

  • Exodus 23:7

    "Keep far from a false charge, and don't kill the innocent and righteous: for I will not justify the wicked.

  • Matthew 18:10

    See that you don't despise one of these little ones, for I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.

  • Matthew 25:40

    "The King will answer them, 'Most assuredly I tell you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.'

  • 1 Corinthians 13:4-6

    [4] Love is patient and is kind; love doesn't envy. Love doesn't brag, is not proud, [5] doesn't behave itself inappropriately, doesn't seek its own way, is not provoked, takes no account of evil; [6] doesn't rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth;

  • Deuteronomy 32:35

    Vengeance is mine, and recompense, At the time when their foot shall slide: For the day of their calamity is at hand, The things that are to come on them shall make haste.

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