24 Insightful Bible Verses About Raising Children

Raising children in today’s culture of confusion is a challenge for every parent.

Christian parents want to raise their children according to the principles laid out in Scripture. However, in order to do this, we need to know what the Bible says about raising children.

Some passages offer words of encouragement, while others teach biblical truth that guide parents in how to raise children according to God’s design.

The following are 24 verses that can speak to parenting. Though the list contains single verses, I would encourage you to invest the time to read each verse in context and discern the full meaning.

What Does The Bible Say About Raising Children?

Note: Each verse or passage below is presented from the English Standard Version. Click the verse references to see other translations in their context with possible commentaries.

Psalm 127:3 (ESV)

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.

Proverbs 13:24 (ESV)

Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.

Proverbs 29:17 (ESV)

Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your heart.

Proverbs 23:13 (ESV)

Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you strike him with a rod, he will not die.

Proverbs 19:18 (ESV)

Discipline your son, for there is hope; do not set your heart on putting him to death.

Proverbs 15:5 (ESV)

A fool despises his father's instruction, but whoever heeds reproof is prudent.

Proverbs 4:1 (ESV)

Hear, O sons, a father's instruction, and be attentive, that you may gain insight,

Isaiah 54:13 (ESV)

All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children.

2 Timothy 3:14-17 (ESV)

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.

3 John 1:4 (ESV)

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

Proverbs 31:27-28 (ESV)

She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:

Psalm 113:9 (ESV)

He gives the barren woman a home, making her the joyous mother of children. Praise the Lord!

2 Timothy 1:5 (ESV)

I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.

Proverbs 29:15 (ESV)

The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.

Hebrews 12:11 (ESV)

For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

Exodus 20:12 (ESV)

“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.

Ephesians 5:1 (ESV)

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.

Matthew 18:10 (ESV)

See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.

Deuteronomy 4:9 (ESV)

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—

1 Timothy 5:8 (ESV)

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.

2 Corinthians 12:14 (ESV)

Here for the third time I am ready to come to you. And I will not be a burden, for I seek not what is yours but you. For children are not obligated to save up for their parents, but parents for their children.

2 Timothy 3:16 (ESV)

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (ESV)

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.

Conclusion

My prayer and hope is that you use God’s word as both guidance for your own parenting and as wisdom for discipling your children.

If you would like more guidance on this topic, my webinar about raising kids to be faithful disciples in a culture of confusion might give you some help in your own context.