What Does the Bible Say About Mistreating a Child?

Written By Mary Carter

Mary holds a degree in theology and she has a deep understanding of biblical texts. She works as an elementary school teacher in Alabama.

The Bible is unequivocal in its stance against the mistreatment of children. It emphasizes the importance of protecting and nurturing children, considering them as a blessing and a responsibility. The teachings of Jesus, especially, highlight the value and significance of children, advocating for their care and protection. In the biblical view, children are to be treated with love, respect, and kindness. Mistreating a child is not only seen as a moral failing but also as a violation of God’s principles of care and compassion.

Interested in the biblical perspective on treating children? Explore how the scriptures emphasize the importance of nurturing and protecting the young. Discover the strong stance the Bible takes against mistreating children.

What Does the Bible Say About Mistreating a Child?

The Bible, across both Old and New Testaments, strongly advocates for the proper treatment of children. This perspective is rooted in the belief that children are a gift from God and should be treated with utmost care and respect. The Bible’s teachings make it clear that mistreating a child is not just a social or moral issue, but a spiritual one as well.

In the Old Testament, there are numerous laws and proverbs that speak to the importance of guiding and nurturing children. These texts underscore the responsibility of adults to provide a safe, loving, and moral upbringing. The Bible condemns any form of violence or abuse against children, considering it a grave sin.

The New Testament furthers this view, particularly through the teachings of Jesus. Jesus showed a special concern for children, often using them as examples of faith and purity. He rebuked those who would dismiss or harm them, emphasizing their value in the kingdom of God. Jesus’ approach to children was countercultural in a time when children were often seen as less important.

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Furthermore, the Bible encourages discipline that is loving and constructive, not harsh or abusive. The goal of discipline, according to biblical teachings, is to guide and educate, not to harm. This view is crucial in understanding the Bible’s stance: while discipline is allowed, it should always be carried out in love and with the child’s best interests at heart.

In essence, the Bible strongly disapproves of any form of mistreatment of children. It promotes a view of children as precious and deserving of care, respect, and love. In the biblical worldview, the well-being of children is a matter of spiritual importance, reflecting God’s own love and care for the young.

Bible Verses About Mistreating a Child

  1. Matthew 18:6: “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” This stern warning from Jesus underlines the gravity of harming or leading a child astray.
  2. Proverbs 22:6: “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” This verse emphasizes the importance of proper upbringing and guidance for children, highlighting the lifelong impact of early teachings.
  3. Ephesians 6:4: “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” This directive to parents calls for a nurturing approach to raising children, avoiding harshness or provocation.
  4. Psalm 127:3: “Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.” This verse expresses the value of children as a blessing from God, implying the responsibility to treat them with care and respect.
  5. Colossians 3:21: “Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.” This admonition highlights the negative impact of harsh treatment, advocating for an approach that encourages and builds up children.
  6. Proverbs 17:6: “Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.” This proverb celebrates the mutual respect and love that should exist between generations, underscoring the importance of treating children in a way that fosters dignity and honor.
  7. Mark 10:14: “When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.'” In this passage, Jesus emphasizes the importance of allowing children to come to Him, rebuking those who would dismiss or mistreat them, and affirming the value of children in God’s eyes.
  8. Proverbs 19:18: “Discipline your children, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to their death.” This verse advocates for discipline that is aimed at guiding and correcting a child, not harming them, suggesting that proper discipline can lead to a hopeful future.
  9. 1 Timothy 5:8: “Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” This verse underscores the responsibility of providing for and protecting one’s family, including children, as a fundamental aspect of living out one’s faith.
  10. Proverbs 23:13-14: “Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you punish them with the rod, they will not die. Punish them with the rod and save them from death.” This passage, often debated, speaks to the concept of discipline in a child’s life. It is important to interpret it in the context of the Bible’s overall message of love and care for children, understanding that discipline should be corrective and not harmful.
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These verses collectively present a clear biblical perspective on the treatment of children. They advocate for an approach that is nurturing, respectful, and protective, reflecting God’s own love and care for the young. The Bible emphasizes the importance of guiding children with love and wisdom, providing a safe and encouraging environment where they can grow and thrive.