What does the Bible say about raising your children?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that children are a precious gift from God and that parents are called to nurture them with loving, faithful, and wise instruction in the Lord. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 urges parents to teach God's words diligently in everyday life, while Ephesians 6:4 warns against harsh provocation and calls fathers to bring children up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Proverbs commends timely correction, not as cruelty, but as loving care that seeks a child's wisdom and peace (Proverbs 13:24; 22:15; 29:17). Parents plant and water through prayer, example, teaching, and correction, trusting God to work in their children's hearts (Proverbs 22:6).
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 13:24 4 votes
One who spares the rod hates his son, But one who loves him is careful to discipline him.
- Proverbs 29:15 4 votes
The rod of correction gives wisdom, But a child left to himself causes shame to his mother.
- Psalms 127:3 3 votes
Behold, children are a heritage of Yahweh. The fruit of the womb is his reward.
- Proverbs 22:15 3 votes
Folly is bound up in the heart of a child: The rod of discipline drives it far from him.
- 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.
- Proverbs 29:17 3 votes
Correct your son, and he will give you peace; Yes, he will bring delight to your soul.
- Proverbs 23:13-14 3 votes
[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.
- Deuteronomy 6:6-7 3 votes
[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.
Related topics
Go deeper
Ask Explain Bible AI about raising your children and get a fuller answer from a Reformed theological perspective.
Ask what the Bible says about raising your children