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What does the Bible say about raising children?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that children are a gift from God, and parents are called to nurture them with loving instruction, patient discipline, and dependence on the Lord’s grace. Deuteronomy 6:7 and Proverbs 22:6 urge parents to teach God’s truth diligently in daily life. Ephesians 6:4 and Colossians 3:21 command fathers especially not to provoke or discourage their children, but to raise them in the Lord’s discipline and instruction. Proverbs commends wise correction as an expression of love, while warning against neglect. Psalm 127:3-5 reminds families that children belong to God and that faithful parenting rests ultimately in his blessing.

Top passages, ranked by readers

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

  • 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 6 votes

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

  • Proverbs 29:15 4 votes

    The rod of correction gives wisdom, But a child left to himself causes shame to his mother.

  • Proverbs 13:24 4 votes

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

  • Colossians 3:21 3 votes

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

  • Psalms 127:3-5 3 votes

    [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.

  • Deuteronomy 6:7 3 votes

    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.

  • Proverbs 22:15 3 votes

    Folly is bound up in the heart of a child: The rod of discipline drives it far from him.

  • Proverbs 29:17 3 votes

    Correct your son, and he will give you peace; Yes, he will bring delight to your soul.

  • 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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