What does the Bible say about raising a child?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that children are a gracious gift from God, and parents are called to raise them in loving, patient, God-centered discipline and instruction. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 urges parents to speak God’s words diligently in daily life, while Ephesians 6:4 commands fathers not to provoke their children but to nurture them in the Lord’s discipline and teaching. Proverbs commends wise correction, yet warns against neglect and harshness that crushes a child’s spirit. Parents should therefore combine clear boundaries with affection, prayer, example, and the gospel, remembering that only God gives new hearts. Children are to honor and heed godly instruction, receiving it as a path of wisdom and blessing.
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Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- 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.
- Proverbs 13:24
One who spares the rod hates his son, But one who loves him is careful to discipline him.
- Proverbs 29:15
The rod of correction gives wisdom, But a child left to himself causes shame to his mother.
- Proverbs 23:13-14
[13] Don't withhold correction from a child. If you punish him with the rod, he will not die. [14] Punish him with the rod, And save his soul from Sheol.
- Proverbs 19:18
Discipline your son, for there is hope; Don't be a willing party to his death.
- Deuteronomy 6:6-7
[6] These words, which I command you this day, shall be on your heart; [7] 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.
- 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.
- Proverbs 1:8-9
[8] My son, listen to your father's instruction, And don't forsake your mother's teaching: [9] For they will be a garland to grace your head, And chains around your neck.
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