What does the Bible say about parenting?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that children are a gracious gift from God, and parents are called to nurture, instruct, correct, and pray for them in the Lord, trusting God for the fruit. Ephesians 6:4 and Colossians 3:21 join firm discipline with patient, non-provocative love. Proverbs commends early training, wise correction, and honoring parental instruction, while warning against neglect that leaves children without guidance. Deuteronomy 6:6-9 calls parents to make God’s Word part of daily life, speaking of it diligently at home and along the way. Psalm 127:3 reminds believers that children belong to the Lord, so faithful parenting rests not in human control but in God’s covenant mercy and grace.
Top passages, ranked by readers
Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Ephesians 6:4 4 votes
You fathers, don’t provoke your children to wrath, but nurture them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
- Proverbs 22:6 4 votes
Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.
- Colossians 3:21 3 votes
Fathers, don’t provoke your children, so that they won’t be discouraged.
- Proverbs 29:17 3 votes
Correct your son, and he will give you peace; yes, he will bring delight to your soul.
- Proverbs 13:24 3 votes
One who spares the rod hates his son, but one who loves him is careful to discipline him.
- Proverbs 29:15 3 votes
The rod of correction gives wisdom, but a child left to himself causes shame to his mother.
- Psalms 127:3 2 votes
Behold, children are a heritage of Yahweh. The fruit of the womb is his reward.
- Proverbs 1:8-9 2 votes
My son, listen to your father’s instruction, and don’t forsake your mother’s teaching; for they will be a garland to grace your head, and chains around your neck.
- Deuteronomy 6:6-9 2 votes
These words, which I command you today, shall be on your heart; and you shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them for a sign on your hand, and they shall be for frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the door posts of your house and on your gates.
- Proverbs 23:13 2 votes
Don’t withhold correction from a child. If you punish him with the rod, he will not die.
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