What does the Bible say about teaching children?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that children are a gracious gift from God, to be lovingly instructed, disciplined, prayed for, and brought to Christ in the ordinary life of the home and church. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 calls parents to impress God’s words on their children throughout daily life, while Ephesians 6:4 commands fathers to nurture them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord rather than provoking them. Proverbs 22:6 and 13:24 commend wise, loving correction, not harshness or self-righteous control. Timothy’s childhood grounding in Scripture shows that God uses faithful teaching to make children wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. Jesus welcomed little children in Matthew 19:13-15, reminding believers to receive them with humble care and confidence in God’s covenant mercy.

Top passages, ranked by readers

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.

  • 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.

  • Ephesians 6:4

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

  • Proverbs 13:24

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

  • Psalms 127:3

    Behold, children are a heritage of Yahweh. The fruit of the womb is his reward.

  • Deuteronomy 6:7

    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.

  • Isaiah 54:13

    All your children shall be taught of Yahweh; and great shall be the peace of your children.

  • 2 Timothy 3:14-15

    [14] But you remain in the things which you have learned and have been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them. [15] From infancy, you have known the sacred writings which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith, which is in Christ Jesus.

  • Matthew 19:13-15

    [13] Then little children were brought to him, that he should lay his hands on them and pray; and the disciples rebuked them. [14] But Jesus said, "Allow the little children, and don't forbid them to come to me; for to such belongs the Kingdom of Heaven." [15] He laid his hands on them, and departed from there.

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