Bible Verses About Parenting

"Behold, children are a heritage of Yahweh. The fruit of the womb is his reward."

Children as heritage — a weight and a gift at once.

"Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it."

Train up a child — the most-quoted verse on parenting, and the most debated.

"These words, which I command you today, shall be on your heart;"

Faith passed on in everyday moments, not just big ones.

"and 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 up."

Talk about it when you sit, walk, lie down, and rise — constant, ordinary teaching.

"You fathers, don’t provoke your children to wrath, but nurture them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord."

Nurture and instruction — not provocation.

"Correct your son, and he will give you peace; yes, he will bring delight to your soul."

Discipline that leads somewhere good — correction with a destination.

"Behold, children are a heritage of Yahweh. The fruit of the womb is his reward."

A heritage from the Lord — children as belonging to God, not just to parents.

"I have no greater joy than this, to hear about my children walking in truth."

Children walking in truth — a parent's deepest joy.

"We will not hide them from their children, telling to the generation to come the praises of Yahweh, his strength, and his wondrous deeds that he has done."

Stories passed down — what we tell our children matters across generations.

"and said, “Most certainly I tell you, unless you turn, and become as little children, you will in no way enter into the Kingdom of Heaven."

Childlike faith — what our children might be teaching us.

"But when Jesus saw it, he was moved with indignation, and said to them, “Allow the little children to come to me! Don’t forbid them, for God’s Kingdom belongs to such as these."

Let the children come — Jesus welcomed, not just tolerated them.

"For you formed my inmost being. You knit me together in my mother’s womb."

Known before birth — your child is not an accident.

"All your children will be taught by Yahweh; and your children’s peace will be great."

Children taught by God — the goal beneath the goal.

"But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach; and it will be given to him."

Wisdom available on request — a promise for uncertain parents.

"‘Yahweh bless you, and keep you."

A blessing to pray over them — tonight, and every night.