What does the Bible say about responsibility to children?
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The Bible teaches that parents and households bear a God-given duty to provide for, protect, lovingly discipline, and nurture children in the faith, while children are called to honor and obey their parents. Ephesians 6:1-4 and Colossians 3:20-21 join parental authority with gentleness, forbidding harshness that provokes or discourages a child. Proverbs 22:6 and Proverbs 1:8 commend faithful instruction in godly wisdom. 1 Timothy 5:8 and 2 Corinthians 12:14 emphasize the responsibility of adults to provide for those in their care. God also fiercely defends vulnerable children and families, as Exodus 22:22-24 shows. In all this, Christian care reflects the Father’s gracious, patient love.
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Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- 1 Timothy 5:8
But if anyone doesn't provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever.
- 2 Corinthians 12:14
Behold, this is the third time I am ready to come to you, and I will not be a burden to you; for I seek not your possessions, but you. For the children ought not to save up for the parents, but the parents for the children.
- Colossians 3:21
Fathers, don't provoke your children, so that they won't be discouraged.
- 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.
- Exodus 22:22-24
[22] "You shall not take advantage of any widow or fatherless child. [23] If you take advantage of them at all, and they cry at all to me, I will surely hear their cry; [24] and my wrath will grow hot, and I will kill you with the sword; and your wives shall be widows, and your children fatherless.
- Proverbs 1:8
My son, listen to your father's instruction, And don't forsake your mother's teaching:
- Colossians 3:20
Children, obey your parents in all things, for this pleases the Lord.
- Ephesians 6:1-4
[1] Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. [2] "Honor your father and mother," which is the first commandment with a promise: [3] "that it may be well with you, and you may live long on the earth." [4] You fathers, don't provoke your children to wrath, but nurture them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
- Philippians 4:6
In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.
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