Parenting is one of the most rewarding yet challenging roles in life. The Bible offers timeless wisdom and guidance for raising children with love, discipline, and faith.
These verses remind us of God’s design for parenting, emphasizing the importance of teaching, nurturing, and leading children in His ways. Whether you’re a new parent or have years of experience, these scriptures will inspire and encourage you to raise your children in a way that honors God.
1. Train Children in God’s Ways: Proverbs 22:6
"Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it."
This verse emphasizes the importance of teaching children biblical principles and values from a young age. By instilling God’s truth in their hearts, parents lay a foundation that guides their children throughout life. It’s a reminder that early spiritual training has a lasting impact, shaping their character and decisions as they grow.
2. Discipline with Love: Proverbs 13:24
"Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him."
Discipline is an essential part of parenting, and this verse highlights its importance. It’s not about harsh punishment but about correcting and guiding children in love. Discipline, when done with care and wisdom, helps children understand boundaries and grow into responsible individuals.
3. Teach God’s Word Diligently: 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."
This passage underscores the responsibility of parents to teach God’s Word consistently. It’s about integrating faith into everyday life, making it a natural part of conversations and routines. By doing so, parents help their children develop a deep and personal relationship with God.
4. Children Are a Blessing: Psalm 127:3
"Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward."
This verse reminds parents that children are a gift from God, entrusted to them for a purpose. It encourages gratitude and a sense of stewardship, reminding parents to cherish and value their role in raising the next generation.
5. Set an Example of Faith: 1 Timothy 4:12
"Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity."
While this verse is directed toward young people, it also applies to parents. Children often mimic what they see, so parents are called to model godly behavior in their words, actions, and attitudes. Leading by example is one of the most powerful ways to influence a child’s faith.
6. Encourage and Comfort: 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12
"For you know how, like a father with his children, we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory."
This verse highlights the role of parents as encouragers and motivators. It’s about balancing correction with affirmation, helping children feel loved and supported as they grow in their faith and character.
7. Do Not Provoke Your Children: Ephesians 6:4
"Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord."
This verse warns against harsh or unfair treatment that can lead to resentment. Instead, parents are called to nurture their children with patience, understanding, and godly instruction, creating an environment where they can thrive emotionally and spiritually.
8. Trust God with Your Children: Isaiah 54:13
"All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children."
This verse offers comfort to parents, reminding them that God is actively involved in their children’s lives. While parents play a crucial role, they can trust God to guide and teach their children, bringing them peace and fulfillment.
9. Pray for Your Children: James 5:16
"Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."
Prayer is one of the most powerful tools parents have. This verse encourages parents to pray fervently for their children, trusting that God hears and answers prayers. Through prayer, parents can seek God’s guidance, protection, and blessings for their kids.
10. Love and Kindness Matter: Colossians 3:21
"Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged."
This verse reiterates the importance of treating children with love and respect. Harsh or critical behavior can discourage them, but kindness and understanding build their confidence and strengthen the parent-child relationship.
11. Teach Wisdom and Understanding: Proverbs 4:1-2
"Hear, O sons, a father’s instruction, and be attentive, that you may gain insight, for I give you good precepts; do not forsake my teaching."
Parents are called to impart wisdom and understanding to their children. This verse emphasizes the value of sharing life lessons and biblical truths, helping children navigate life with discernment and godly insight.
12. God’s Faithfulness to Generations: Psalm 103:17-18
"But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children’s children, to those who keep his covenant and remember to do his commandments."
This verse reminds parents of God’s faithfulness to future generations. By living in obedience to God and teaching their children to do the same, parents can leave a legacy of faith that impacts their family for years to come.
13. Be Patient and Gentle: Galatians 5:22-23
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."
Parenting requires the fruit of the Spirit, especially patience and gentleness. This verse encourages parents to rely on the Holy Spirit to cultivate these qualities, creating a loving and peaceful home environment.
14. Lead by Serving: Mark 9:35
"And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, 'If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.'"
Jesus’ teaching on servanthood applies to parenting as well. Parents are called to lead by serving their children, putting their needs first and modeling humility and selflessness.
15. Hope for the Future: Jeremiah 29:11
"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.'"
This verse is a reminder that God has a plan for every child. Parents can take comfort in knowing that their children’s futures are in God’s hands, and they can trust Him to guide and protect them.
16. Teach Children to Trust God: Proverbs 3:5-6
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
This verse is a foundational truth parents can teach their children. By encouraging kids to trust God rather than relying solely on their own understanding, parents help them develop a lifelong habit of seeking God’s guidance in every decision.
17. Model Humility and Forgiveness: Colossians 3:13
"Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."
Parenting often requires humility and forgiveness. This verse reminds parents to model these qualities, showing children how to resolve conflicts and extend grace, just as God has forgiven us.
18. Provide for Your Family: 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."
This verse emphasizes the importance of providing for one’s family, not just materially but also emotionally and spiritually. Parents are called to ensure their children’s needs are met, reflecting God’s care and provision.
19. Encourage a Heart of Gratitude: 1 Thessalonians 5:18
"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
Teaching children to be grateful is a vital part of parenting. This verse encourages parents to model and instill a heart of gratitude in their kids, helping them recognize God’s blessings even in difficult times.
20. Guard Your Children’s Hearts: Proverbs 4:23
"Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."
Parents are called to protect their children’s hearts by teaching them to prioritize their relationship with God and avoid harmful influences. This verse reminds parents to help their children cultivate a heart that reflects God’s love and truth.
Anne Kostick has been Editor-in-Chief since September 2007. Previously, Anne was a principal at Foxpath IND, a publishing, consulting and editorial services company specializing in the transition to and from traditional content publishing and online content management, development and publishing. Her clients included trade book publishers, technology and financial services Web sites, and arts and cultural institutions. Previously, she worked as Licensing and Product Development Director, Senior Acquisitions Editor and Director of Electronic Publishing for Workman Publishing, and as Senior Acquisitions Editor for Harry N. Abrams/Stewart, Tabori & Chang. In the online world she worked as Director of Content Development for Vitaminshoppe.com. Anne has a B.A. in Greek and Latin, with a minor in Theater, from Beloit College. She is the author of several books for children, as well as a definitive collection of jokes.