What Does the Bible Say About Raising 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.

Raising children is one of the greatest responsibilities a person can have.

It’s a journey filled with joy, challenges, and countless lessons.

Every child is different, and no two parenting experiences are exactly alike.

But one thing is certain—God cares deeply about how we raise the next generation.

The Bible is full of wisdom on the subject.

It gives guidance, encouragement, and even warnings about the choices we make as parents.

So, what does Scripture say about raising children?

Let’s dive into God’s Word and see what He teaches us.

Children Are a Blessing from God

The Bible makes it clear that children are a gift, not a burden.

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

In a world that sometimes sees parenting as a challenge to endure, God reminds us that children are a blessing.

They are a reminder of His goodness and His plan for the future.

Every child is created in God’s image, with a unique purpose and calling.

When we see our children through this lens, parenting takes on a deeper meaning.

Instead of just raising them to be successful in the world, we are raising them to fulfill God’s purpose for their lives.

It’s a responsibility, but also an incredible privilege.

Teach Them God’s Ways

One of the biggest responsibilities of a parent is to teach their children about God.

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.”

This isn’t just about reading a Bible verse before bed or taking them to church on Sundays.

It’s about making faith a part of everyday life.

Children learn by watching more than by listening.

If they see their parents living out their faith—praying, reading Scripture, being kind to others—they will naturally follow that example.

Faith isn’t something we pass down just by words.

See also  What Does the Bible Say About the Company You Keep?

It’s passed down through the way we live.

Discipline with Love and Wisdom

Discipline is one of the most challenging parts of parenting.

It’s easy to react in frustration when a child misbehaves, but the Bible calls parents to discipline with love and wisdom.

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

This verse doesn’t mean that discipline should be harsh or cruel.

It means that discipline is necessary because it teaches children right from wrong.

Without correction, children won’t learn the consequences of their actions.

But discipline should always come from a place of love, not anger.

Hebrews 12:11 reminds us that “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.”

Discipline isn’t about punishing—it’s about training children to grow into wise, responsible adults.

When done with love, discipline helps children understand boundaries, respect, and self-control.

Encourage and Build Them Up

Children need discipline, but they also need encouragement.

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

It’s easy to be critical when raising children.

We want them to succeed, so we correct them often.

But constant criticism without encouragement can break a child’s spirit.

Children need to know they are loved—not just when they do well, but always.

God encourages us to speak life into our children.

Tell them when they’ve done something good.

Remind them that God has a purpose for them.

Lift them up with words that show them they are valued.

When children grow up in an environment filled with love and encouragement, they become confident in who they are in Christ.

Train Them to Be Wise

Wisdom is something that must be taught.

Children don’t automatically know how to make good choices.

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

See also  What Does the Bible Say About Walking Away From Family?

Training children to be wise means teaching them to make decisions based on God’s truth.

It’s not just about telling them what to do—it’s about helping them understand why.

Teach them how to seek God in prayer before making a big decision.

Show them how to read the Bible for guidance.

Help them understand the difference between right and wrong, not just because you said so, but because it’s what God desires.

Wisdom doesn’t come overnight.

It takes time, practice, and learning from mistakes.

But when children are taught to seek God’s wisdom, they will carry it with them for life.

Teach Them to Love and Serve Others

Jesus made it clear that loving others is one of the most important things we can do.

Matthew 22:39 says, “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Children need to be taught kindness, compassion, and generosity.

They won’t automatically think about others first—it’s something they have to learn.

One of the best ways to teach children to love others is by showing them how.

Let them see you helping someone in need.

Encourage them to be kind, even when no one is watching.

Teach them that life isn’t just about what they can get—it’s about how they can serve.

A child who grows up learning to love and serve others will become an adult who reflects God’s heart in the world.

Be a Godly Example

Parents are a child’s first role model.

Children watch everything, even when we think they aren’t paying attention.

Titus 2:7 says, “In everything set them an example by doing what is good.”

If we want our children to love God, we have to love God ourselves.

If we want them to be kind, we have to show kindness.

If we want them to be patient, we have to practice patience.

No one is perfect, and parents will make mistakes.

See also  What Does the Bible Say About Ufos?

But when children see their parents seeking God, asking for forgiveness, and trying to grow in faith, they learn what it means to have a real relationship with Him.

A parent’s example is one of the most powerful tools for raising children in God’s way.

Pray for Them Daily

No matter how much guidance we give, we can’t control everything in our children’s lives.

They will make their own choices.

They will face challenges we never expected.

That’s why prayer is so important.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to “pray without ceasing.”

Pray for your children’s hearts, that they would grow in love for God.

Pray for their wisdom, that they would make good choices.

Pray for their protection, that God would watch over them.

And most of all, pray that they will have a strong relationship with Jesus.

There is no greater gift you can give your child than a life covered in prayer.

Final Thoughts

Raising children is one of the greatest callings a person can have.

It’s not always easy, but God gives us everything we need to do it well.

The Bible teaches us that children are a blessing and that it’s our job to train, love, and encourage them.

Teaching them about God’s ways, disciplining with love, and setting a godly example are all part of being a faithful parent.

At the end of the day, we aren’t just raising children to be good people—we’re raising them to know and love God.

That’s the most important job we have.

And when we trust God to guide us, He gives us the wisdom and strength to raise them well.