There is no better foundation to base our raising of children than the Bible. The Bible has many verses about fathers, mothers, parenting, and more. By using biblical wisdom, we can raise our children by pointing them to God. That’s why today I want to share some impactful Bible verses about raising children.
As Christian parents, we are to raise our children in the instruction of the Lord. As a good parent, it’s important to lay down a strong foundation for your child for life. We have such a short time with them! While parenting is one of the hardest jobs, it’s God’s design for parents to train their children in the ways of the Lord.
Bible Verses about Raising Children
So, what does is say in the Bible about raising a child? I’d love to share some general Bible verses about raising children, but I’d also like to share some Bible verses about parenting responsibilities and about a parent’s love.
There are so many Bible verses about raising children, but some of the verses share similar wording or concepts. I’ve tried to include a variety of different parenting verses that you can find throughout the Bible. If I missed any of your favorites, I’d love for you to share them in the comments at the end.
God’s Word tells us to parent our children with love and wisdom. We are to be pointing our children to the right path of Christ in all that we do. Let’s look at some of my favorite Bible verses that remind us of the importance of raising the next generation.
Proverbs 29:15,17
"The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother. . . Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your heart." Proverbs 29:15,17 ESV
As we see from these verses, children will gain wisdom when we are involved in training and disciplining them. By doing this, your children will give you delight and rest.
Colossians 3:21
"Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged." Colossians 3:21
We need to be careful in how we interact with our children. As moms, we want to inspire our children to follow the Lord and not discourage them. Yes, this verse says “Fathers,” but it applies to all parents. As the Holy Spirit for guidance in how to encourage versus discourage your children.
Ephesians 6:1-4
"Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 'Honor your father and mother' (this is the first commandment with a promise), 3 'that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.' 4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." Ephesians 6:1-4
A popular section of Scripture, these verses are full of God’s commandments. They remind us that we are teaching our children to obey and honor us as their earthly parents. We are also to teach them the things of the Lord. Also, look at the promise God gives to the child who honors his or her parents. They receive long life!
Proverbs 1:8-9
Hear, my son, your father's instruction, and forsake not your mother's teaching, for they are a graceful garland for your head and pendants for your neck." Proverbs 1:8-9
When you get discouraged in raising your children, remember what your teaching and training really are. The verse says that godly training is garland and pendants that make your children beautiful. Teach your children how to live the Christian faith with your words and works.
3 John 1:4
"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth." 3 John 1:4
Isn’t this the wish of all Christian parents? To know that your children are walking in the truth . . . even after they are grown and have left the home? None of us want our children to walk away from the faith. We want them to do the right thing. Be inspired to do your part in raising your children that follow after God. However, know that God’s discipline will follow them even after yours cannot. Our heavenly Father loves them even more than we do!
Bible Verses about Parenting Responsibilities
Next, we’re going to cover some Bible verses that specifically talk about parenting responsibilities. Our parenting responsibilities are part of the role God has given us as parents. These verses lay out some clear instructions.
Deuteronomy 6:6-7
"And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. 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." Deuteronomy 6:6-7
Common verses when it comes to Christian parenting, these verses remind you to be teaching your children all day, every day, wherever you are. It’s also a reminder that you have to be diligent in your parenting. You can’t not have any plan and hope that they’ll just catch Christianity from you.
Fortunately, God can reach our children even if we mess up, but as followers of Christ Jesus, we need to do things His way. We need to be intentional in the bad days and the good.
Deuteronomy 4:9
"'Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children's children—'" Deuteronomy 4:9
God’s deeds are to be proclaimed and passed down from generation to generation. Think about a favorite recipe you have that was your grandma’s or even great-grandma’s. You tell your children where it came from. How much more important is it to pass down stories of how God has worked in your life?
Proverbs 22:6
"Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6
Just a reminder, Proverbs are not the same as promises. However, they can be true as a general rule. Train your children to follow God, as well as to use their gifts and talents to glorify Him.
1 Timothy 5:8
"But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." 1 Timothy 5:8
As parents, we are to provide for our children. This does not just mean their physical needs, but we also need to provide for their spiritual and emotional needs. Our children need to be pointed to Christ, and they need to know that you have unconditional love for them.
What does the Bible say about the role of a mother? To learn more about being a godly mother, check out these 10 characteristics of a good mother according to the Bible.
Bible Verses about Parent’s Love
Part of raising children as Christian moms is showing our children love. By feeling our love and learning obedience from us, our children will learn what it means to be loved by God and obey Him. Many children grow up thinking of God as someone like their earthly father.
How we love our children can point our kids to God or push them away. That’s why I’d like to give you these Bible verses about parents’ love. These will remind you of what it means to love your children well. We want to provide our children with a safe space to grow and thrive.
Proverbs 3:12
"for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights." Proverbs 3:12
A father and mother will discipline or reprimand their child because they love him. This is how the Lord interacts with us. We can show our children love by setting boundaries and expecting obedience.
Proverbs 13:24
"Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him." Proverbs 13:24
This is another great verse to remind us that love comes in the form of the rod of discipline. In fact, it takes diligence when you really love your children and want them to turn to the Lord. By using God’s Word and discipline, you will raise a wise son or daughter.
Titus 2:4
"and so train the young women to love their husbands and children," Titus 2:4
We often need to be reminded to love our husbands and children. I don’t think this means we don’t love them, but we get lazy or selfish and don’t act out that love if we’re not careful. Love is one of the few things Paul is reminding the older women to teach younger women.
Colossians 3:14
"And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony." Colossians 3:14
While this Bible verse about parents’ love isn’t specifically speaking to parenting, it does remind us all of what love does. Love binds everything together in what? In perfect harmony! I don’t know about you, but I can definitely use more harmony in my own house.
Psalm 103:13
"As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him." Psalm 103:13
According to this verse, it’s a given that a father will show compassion toward his child. Unfortunately, in our broken world, there are some fathers who do not have compassion toward their children. However, that is not how God is. That’s why a man of God needs to show compassion.
Matthew 7:11
"If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!" Matthew 7:11
Similar to the verse above, this parent’s love Bible verse reminds us that even ungodly parents want to give good gifts to their children because they love them. God loved us so much that He sent Jesus to die in our place. He wants to give us good gifts (such as salvation and eternal life), just like we love giving our children something we know they will enjoy.
Biblical Parenting Verses
My prayer is that you have been encouraged by these biblical parenting verses. The Bible really does have plenty to say about raising children. The godly wisdom you can glean from the Bible will help you focus on the right things in raising your children.
As Christian parents, not only are we teaching and training our children, we are modeling to them what the Christian life looks like. We are modeling God’s love and discipline. Which verse stood out to you the most and why? I’d love for you to put your thoughts in the comments.
If you’d like more encouragement in Christian motherhood, be sure to join my email list below or join my Facebook group, Christian Moms Living on Purpose.
You may also enjoy:
- Raising Godly Children: 9 Top Tips
- 10 Helpful Tips to Be More Patient in Parenting
- How to Make Sure Your Child Feels Loved and Valued
