What does the Bible say about parenting?
“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it” Proverbs 22:6.
The above verse may be one of the best-known verses concerning parenting. Remarkably, it’s just one of more than 1,900 references in the Bible that mention parents, fathers, or mothers. We find most of these references in dozens of stories about complicated families. These stories describe good and bad parenting but contain surprisingly few texts that directly and unambiguously address parent-child dynamics.
It would be great if the Bible contained a parenting script, but it doesn’t. While there’s no comprehensive passage on parenting, here are 15 key texts concerning the roles, realities, and responsibilities of parents:
It’s recognizing children are a gift and blessing from God. “Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him” Psalm 127:3.
It’s helping children love and live for Jesus. “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord” Ephesians 6:4.
It’s diligently teaching the scriptures to your children. “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children” Deuteronomy 6:6-7.
It’s telling your children about the remarkable things God has done. “We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done” Psalm 78:4.
It’s inviting children to turn to Jesus, confess their sins, receive the Holy Spirit, and be baptized. “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off – for all whom the Lord our God will call” Acts 2:38-39.
It’s pointing children in the right direction. “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it” Proverbs 22:6.
It’s living in a way that makes your children look up to you. “Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children” Proverbs 17:6.
It’s modelling how to live according to a biblical worldview. “In everything set them an example by doing what is good” Titus 2:7.
It’s taking care of your children’s needs. “Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever” 1 Timothy 5:8.
It’s correcting and disciplining children as a mark of your love. “Discipline your children, and they will give you peace; they will bring you the delights you desire” Proverbs 29:17.
It’s not irritating, aggravating, disheartening, or provoking children to anger. “Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged” Colossians 3:21.
It’s maintaining harmony and stability in the home. “Whoever brings ruin on their family will inherit only wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise” Proverbs 11:29.
It’s prudent financial planning for your children. “Children should not have to save up for their parents, but parents for their children” 2 Corinthians 12:14.
It’s showing your children you respect your own parents. “Honour your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you” Deuteronomy 5:16.
It’s aiming to see your children become mature Christians. “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth” 3 John 1:4.
None of this is possible if you’re not tracking with Jesus. In the process of parenting, pay attention to your walk with the Lord. “Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them” Deuteronomy 4:9.
Check out CHRISTIAN PARENTING BASICS for practical and informative articles on how to disciple your children and strengthen family faith formation.
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Summary
The Bible says a lot about Christian parenting, emphasizing the importance of raising children in a way that honours God. Key principles include recognizing children as a blessing from God, diligently teaching them Scripture, modelling a godly life, and providing for their needs. Parenting involves instruction and discipline to guide children to love and live for Jesus while maintaining a stable and harmonious home. Ultimately, successful parenting requires parents to walk closely with God, leading by example and nurturing their children’s spiritual growth.
FAQ 1: What are the key Bible verses about parenting?
The Bible doesn’t give a single key parenting verse, but it offers many guiding passages. Key verses include Proverbs 22:6 (training children in the right way), Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (teaching God’s Word daily), Ephesians 6:4 (raising children in the Lord without provoking them), and Psalm 127:3 (children are a gift from God). Together, these texts form a broad biblical vision of faithful parenting.
FAQ 2. What is the Bible’s main responsibility for parents?
Scripture consistently presents parents as spiritual guides, teachers, and examples. Parents are called to nurture children in faith (Deuteronomy 6:6-7), model godly living (Titus 2:7), provide for their needs (1 Timothy 5:8), and discipline with love (Proverbs 29:17). The central focus is helping children grow to know and follow God.
FAQ 3. Does the Bible give a step-by-step parenting method?
No. The Bible doesn’t provide a detailed step-by-step parenting program. Instead, it offers wisdom principles drawn from stories, commands, and examples across generations. Parenting in Scripture is relational, spiritual, and focused on the everyday; shaped by love for God, faithful instruction, consistent example, and dependence on Him (Deuteronomy 4:9).
© Scripture Union, 2021
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BULLSEYE! If the parents are not walking with the Lord then the children walking with the Lord is very difficult.
Once again it calls for a two pronged approach that is reaching children directly and also through their parents.
Here the ministry to parents comes into sharp focus!
This is so spot on and encouraging. Thank you!
Amen….Well explained, the description has answered some of my questions about parenting. Great!
A helpful article. God bless you!
Spot on. All children should be looked after and cared for. No children should be left out when parents bring them into the world, regardless of the circumstances we’re in. Amen
Of course parents should take care of their children but you are misusing 1 Tim 5:8. The verses before and after that are about caring for the widows in your family. Not your children.
Plenty of verses you can quote without taking one out of context.
You are correct in identifying that the context of 1 Timothy 5:8 is caring for widows. However, Paul’s use of the word “household” (all the people who live within a dwelling) indicates he has the whole family in mind, and the importance of fulfilling family obligations, particularly in providing for one’s dependents. In verse 8 Paul strengthens his argument for looking after widows by appealing to a general application as a reminder that the primary responsibility for providing for family members lies with the family itself, rather than the church or society at large. As a general application the verse therefore applies to and encompasses the family unit, including parents, children, extended family and servants, i.e., everyone residing under one roof.