Scripture about Parenting

Bill Brinkworth

Too many parents get their advice and counsel on rearing children from psychologists, authors, and teachers. Many of those giving the advice have not even reared their own children successfully. God, however, has reared billions upon billions with much success. Here is some of His advice on child rearing from the Word of God:

Train children in the way they should go.
“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6

Correction is part of training.
“Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.” Proverbs 19:18

Taking the time to discipline children is showing love. Not disciplining children is not showing love.
“He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.”
P roverbs 13:24

Letting a child do his “own thing” is not training, but will lead to behavior the parents will regret. Not disciplining a child is a form of child abuse!
“The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.”
Proverbs 29:15
“A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him.” Proverbs 17:25

Discipline is hard work, but it has its rewards!
“Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.”
Proverbs 29:17
“The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.” Proverbs 10:1
“A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother.” Proverbs 15:20

Do not unnecessarily make them angry!
“And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” Ephesians 6:4
“Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.” Colossians 3:21

“O fathers and mothers, the ruin of your children or their salvation, will, under God, very much depend on you.” — Spurgeon

This lesson was featured in The Bible View #192.