What does the Bible say about parental discipline?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that parental discipline is a loving, purposeful duty meant to guide children in wisdom, self-control, and the fear of the Lord, never as harshness or retaliation. Proverbs commends timely correction, warning that indulgence can harm a child, while faithful discipline nurtures hope and brings peace to a family. Proverbs 13:24, 19:18, 23:13-14, and 29:15-17 portray correction as an expression of love and care for a child’s future. Yet Ephesians 6:4 requires fathers not to provoke their children, but to raise them in the Lord’s instruction. Hebrews 12:6-7 grounds this calling in God’s own fatherly discipline, which is loving and intended for His children’s good.
Top passages, ranked by readers
Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Proverbs 13:24 10 votes
One who spares the rod hates his son, but one who loves him is careful to discipline him.
- Proverbs 22:6 8 votes
Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.
- Ephesians 6:4 7 votes
You fathers, don’t provoke your children to wrath, but nurture them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
- Proverbs 19:18 6 votes
Discipline your son, for there is hope; don’t be a willing party to his death.
- Proverbs 29:15 6 votes
The rod of correction gives wisdom, but a child left to himself causes shame to his mother.
- Hebrews 12:7 6 votes
It is for discipline that you endure. God deals with you as with children, for what son is there whom his father doesn’t discipline?
- Proverbs 29:17 6 votes
Correct your son, and he will give you peace; yes, he will bring delight to your soul.
- Proverbs 23:14 4 votes
Punish him with the rod, and save his soul from Sheol.
- Proverbs 23:13 4 votes
Don’t withhold correction from a child. If you punish him with the rod, he will not die.
- Hebrews 12:6 4 votes
for whom the Lord loves, he disciplines, and chastises every son whom he receives.”
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