What Does the Bible Say About Children?

Written By Mary Carter

Mary is a devoted Bible student who loves sharing her knowledge, inspiring others with faith-filled insights, and deepening spiritual understanding through writing.

Children are a gift from God.

From the moment they take their first breath, they are precious in His sight.

Throughout the Bible, God speaks about children with love, care, and purpose.

He calls them a blessing, a source of joy, and a vital part of His kingdom.

But beyond being a gift, children also have responsibilities, and parents have an important role in guiding them.

What does the Bible say about children?

How does God view them, and what lessons can we learn from Scripture about their place in His plan?

Let’s explore the biblical perspective on children, their role in faith, and the responsibility of parents in raising them.

Children Are a Blessing From God

The Bible makes it clear that children are not a burden but a blessing.

Psalm 127:3 says, “Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.”

In biblical times, having many children was seen as a sign of God’s favor.

Even today, children bring joy, love, and a sense of purpose to families.

Proverbs 17:6 says, “Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.”

This verse shows how children and grandchildren bring honor and joy to their families.

Every child, no matter their circumstances, is valued by God.

He has a purpose for each life, and His love for them is deep and everlasting.

Jesus’ Love for Children

Jesus showed great love and care for children.

In a society where children were often overlooked, Jesus made it clear that they mattered.

In Matthew 19:14, Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

He welcomed children, blessed them, and used them as an example of what faith should look like.

In Mark 9:36-37, Jesus took a little child in His arms and said, “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.”

Jesus’ love for children is a reminder that they are valued in God’s kingdom.

He sees their innocence, their trust, and their willingness to believe.

Children teach us important lessons about humility and faith, and Jesus used them as an example for all believers.

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Children Are Called to Obey and Honor Their Parents

The Bible gives clear instructions to children about their role in the family.

Ephesians 6:1-3 says, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.

‘Honor your father and mother’—which is the first commandment with a promise—‘so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.’”

Obedience is not just about following rules—it is about learning discipline, respect, and responsibility.

When children learn to honor their parents, they also learn to honor God.

Proverbs 1:8-9 encourages children to listen to their parents’ wisdom, saying, “Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.

They are a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck.”

This verse highlights the importance of learning from parents and treasuring their guidance.

A child who listens to godly wisdom will be equipped to make wise choices in life.

Parents Have a Responsibility to Raise Their Children in Faith

God does not leave parents without guidance.

He gives clear instructions on how to raise children in a way that honors Him.

Proverbs 22:6 says, “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”

This verse is a reminder that early training in faith has lasting effects.

When children are taught about God from a young age, they carry those lessons with them into adulthood.

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 says, “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts.

Impress them on your children.

Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”

Teaching children about God is not just something that happens on Sundays at church.

It should be a part of everyday life—through conversations, actions, and examples.

Parents are called to live out their faith so that their children see God’s truth in action.

Colossians 3:21 also gives a warning to parents, saying, “Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.”

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Discipline is important, but it must be done with love and patience.

A child who grows up in a home filled with love, faith, and godly instruction is more likely to develop a strong relationship with God.

The Importance of Teaching Children God’s Word

God’s Word is a guide for children, helping them navigate life’s challenges.

Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”

Children who grow up knowing Scripture have a foundation of truth to stand on.

2 Timothy 3:15 says, “And how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”

Timothy, a young leader in the early church, was taught the Scriptures from a young age by his mother and grandmother.

This highlights the role of family in passing down faith.

When children know God’s Word, they have wisdom to make good decisions, strength to resist temptation, and encouragement in difficult times.

Parents, teachers, and church leaders all play a role in helping children develop a love for Scripture.

God Hears the Prayers of Children

Children are not too young to have a relationship with God.

He listens to their prayers and responds to their faith.

1 Samuel 3 tells the story of a young boy named Samuel, who heard God’s voice in the temple.

Even as a child, God spoke to him and used him in powerful ways.

In Matthew 21:16, Jesus said, “From the lips of children and infants you, Lord, have called forth your praise.”

God values the prayers and praises of children.

Their faith is pure and sincere, and God delights in it.

Encouraging children to pray teaches them to depend on God, trust Him, and develop a personal relationship with Him.

Discipline and Correction in Love

The Bible teaches that discipline is an important part of raising children.

Proverbs 13:24 says, “Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.”

Discipline is not about punishment—it is about correction and teaching.

Hebrews 12:11 explains, “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful.

Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”

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God disciplines His children because He loves them, and parents should do the same.

However, discipline should always be done with love, never out of anger.

Children need guidance, but they also need encouragement.

Ephesians 6:4 says, “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”

Raising children with both discipline and love helps them grow into wise, respectful, and God-honoring adults.

Children Are an Example of Faith

Jesus often pointed to children as an example of how believers should approach faith.

Matthew 18:3 says, “And he said: ‘Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.’”

Children have a simple, trusting faith.

They believe without questioning, love without conditions, and trust without hesitation.

God wants all believers to have that same kind of faith—one that is pure, sincere, and fully dependent on Him.

Children remind us of what it means to trust God completely.

Their faith is not complicated by doubt or pride.

It is genuine, and that is the kind of faith God desires from all of His people.

Final Thoughts

The Bible is clear that children are a gift, a blessing, and an important part of God’s plan.

Jesus welcomed them, valued them, and used them as an example of true faith.

Children are called to obey and honor their parents, while parents are given the responsibility of raising them in the ways of God.

Teaching children Scripture, encouraging their faith, and guiding them with love are all part of God’s design for family life.

No matter their age, every child matters to God.

He has a purpose for each one, and His love for them is endless.