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What does the Bible say about little children?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that little children are precious gifts from God, welcomed by Christ, and entrusted to parents for loving, faithful nurture in the Lord. Jesus receives children and calls adults to humble, dependent faith like theirs (Matthew 19:14; Mark 10:13-16; Matthew 18:3). Children are a heritage from the Lord, while parents are called to train them in godly wisdom and discipline without harshness or provocation (Psalms 127:3; Proverbs 22:6; Ephesians 6:4; Colossians 3:21). Children should honor and obey their parents in the Lord (Ephesians 6:1-3). These commands show both God’s covenantal care for families and the need for patient, gospel-shaped instruction.

Top passages, ranked by readers

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

  • Matthew 19:14

    But Jesus said, "Allow the little children, and don't forbid them to come to me; for to such belongs the Kingdom of Heaven."

  • Proverbs 22:6

    Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.

  • Ephesians 6:4

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

  • Colossians 3:21

    Fathers, don't provoke your children, so that they won't be discouraged.

  • Matthew 18:3

    and said, "Most assuredly I tell you, unless you turn, and become as little children, you will in no way enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.

  • Proverbs 13:24

    One who spares the rod hates his son, But one who loves him is careful to discipline him.

  • Psalms 127:3

    Behold, children are a heritage of Yahweh. The fruit of the womb is his reward.

  • Mark 10:13-16

    [13] They were bringing to him little children, that he should touch them, but the disciples rebuked those who were bringing them. [14] But when Jesus saw it, he was moved with indignation, and said to them, "Allow the little children to come to me! Don't forbid them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. [15] Most assuredly I tell you, whoever will not receive the Kingdom of God like a little child, he will in no way enter into it." [16] He took them in his arms, and blessed them, laying his hands on them.

  • Ephesians 6:1-4

    [1] Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. [2] "Honor your father and mother," which is the first commandment with a promise: [3] "that it may be well with you, and you may live long on the earth." [4] You fathers, don't provoke your children to wrath, but nurture them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

  • Proverbs 17:6

    Children's children are the crown of old men; The glory of children are their parents.

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