35 Bible Verses About Parenting Every Parent Needs To Read

Parenting has always been challenging, even for experienced parents. Each child comes with new traits that make parenting a learning journey. While some days are fun, other days can be overwhelming. God knew some days would be more challenging than others and provided inspirational Bible verses about parenting.

As a parent, you’re likely to wage war against feeling inadequate, depressed, and weighed down by parenting roles and responsibilities.

Because parenting is challenging, you need divine wisdom to raise your children in a Godly manner. Thankfully, there are encouraging Bible verses to grant you Godly wisdom to inspire, encourage, comfort, and guide you as you provide your children with discipline, love, guidance, and protection the way God intended.

Why Must You Know Parenting Bible Verses

Before correctly applying the Bible to your parenting, you must clearly understand God’s Word and its meaning.

After all, you can’t remove a speck from your child’s eye while your own has a plank!

First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

Matthew 7:5 (NKJV)

To teach your child to walk in faith, love, humility, and fear of God, among other Godly virtues, you must adopt that lifestyle to be a good role model.

Children aren’t like adults. Unlike adults, what they do and say reflects what they see in you. You’re the mirror they look into every moment of their lives.

The Primary Reason Why You Can’t Ignore Bible Verses About Parenting

“Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey.

Matthew 25: 14-15 (NIV)

Children are much like the gold bags that a master gave to his slaves in Matthew 25:14-15. He gave each of them based on their potential. The “bags of gold” you give your children can be viewed as symbolism for the knowledge and values you impart to them before they leave home to build their own lives.

Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from him.

Psalms 127:3 (NLT)

Children are a blessing (gift) to you from God.

Regardless of your number of kids, God has given you enough grace and potential to take care of them.

If he gives you more, he will also increase the grace and ability to care for them. You, therefore, are accountable to God. Do not neglect your children and expect not to suffer the consequences. So, don’t take parenting for granted. Instead, love them, protect them, provide for them, teach them biblical truths, and discipline them.

Thankfully, God has given you the tools you need to do exactly that:

• Love them Ephesians 6:4, Colossians 3:21
•  Protect them Matthew 2:13-15, Hebrews 11:23
•  Provide for their needs Genesis 21:15-16, 1 Sam 17:17, 1 Samuel 1:4,
•  Teach them biblical truths Deuteronomy 6:6-7, Isaiah 38:19, Proverbs 22:6, 2 Timothy 3:15, Proverbs 3:1-2
•  Discipline them Proverbs 19:18, Proverbs 29:17, Hebrews 12:11, Proverbs 17:21, Proverbs 13:24, Proverbs 29:15, 2 Timothy 3:16

Love Your Children

The following command after loving the Lord your God is loving your neighbor. Using this command in a parenting context, your children are your neighbors.

Your love as a parent is deeply felt before your child is born, feeling your unborn baby move and respond to external stimuli while still in the womb. Not to mention, you cannot adequately care for, train, feed, or discipline them if you do not love them.

Parenting begins with loving your children.

“And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Mathew 22:39 (NIV)

If you don’t love your children, they will find difficulty obeying or respecting you. Consequently, they’ll deny you the ground to train them how they should live. As a loving parent, you should strive not to provoke them into feeling unnecessarily angry.

Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

Ephesians 6:4 (NIV)

Provoking children to anger is denying yourself an excellent ground for earning their respect and training them to walk in Godly statutes. It also causes them to display disobedience and disrespect and may cause them to lose heart and rebel against you.

Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.

Colossians 3:21 (NIV)

Bible verses about parenting say that loving your children is unconditional, just like Christ loves you unconditionally. Whether they obey or disobey you, love you back or not, respect or show contempt, you must always love them.

Protect Them

Many dangers surround children, especially when they’re away from you. Incidences such as rape, kidnapping, child trafficking, violent attacks, and murder are some of the many incidences that put children at risk.

For example, statistics from The Victims of a Crime Organization show that one in every five girls is a victim of sexual assault, as is one in every twenty boys.

As a parent, you are responsible for ensuring your children are safe, even if you need to move to a new town like Joseph and Mary to save your children’s lives. You can’t compromise their safety.

When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.”

Matthew 2:13 (NIV)

Brave parents do everything in their hands to ensure their children are safe.

For example, Moses’ mother hid him for three months, refusing to submit to threats when the pharaoh directed all Hebrew boys to be killed. (Exodus 1-2)

By faith Moses’ parents hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw he was no ordinary child, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict.

Hebrews 11:23 (NIV)

Sometimes you may not know about imminent danger, but thankfully God reveals hidden things to those He loves. Continually ask Him to open your eyes and grant you understanding so that you can take the right actions as soon as possible.

Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.

Jeremiah 33:3 (ESV)

Provide For Their Needs

Whether your children are home or away, ensure their fundamental needs are met. Jesse served as a Biblical fatherly role model. He took his role as a father needing to provide for his children seriously by sending David into the wilderness to deliver food to his other children.

Now Jesse said to his son David, “Take this ephah of roasted grain and these ten loaves of bread for your brothers and hurry to their camp.

1 Sam 17:17 (NIV)

Thank God for the advances in technology, making distance no longer a barrier to providing care when needed. Today, your children are a phone call away. If they lack anything, you can easily send them money or supplies.

One mistake to always avoid is showing favoritism when providing for your children. Favoritism is a weapon with consequences that drive wedges between your kids and cause conflicts among them, much like Jacob endured.

Jacob loved one of his sons (Joseph) more than the others. Because of that love, he made one beautiful coat for Joseph. Day by day, Jacob’s other sons became envious of their brother, Joseph, and hated him.

3 Jacob loved Joseph more than any of his other children because Joseph had been born to him in his old age. So one day Jacob had a special gift made for Joseph—a beautiful robe. 4 But his brothers hated Joseph because their father loved him more than the rest of them. They couldn’t say a kind word to him.

Genesis 37:3-4 (NLV)

Imagining Jacob’s anguish caused by thinking Joseph died is enough to bring any parent to a breaking point. His sons’ jealous action of selling Joeseph to slave traders and lying about it shows what parenting guided by favoritism can do. Thankfully God eventually blessed Joseph, placing him in a position to save his family.

Furthermore, you are a son of God. God shows you unconditional love and teaches emulating the same love throughout numerous stories in the Bible. As such, you must emulate your Father (God), never showing favoritism.

Provide Equally

Elkanah’s story gives an example of providing for your children equally.

Whenever the day came for Elkanah to sacrifice, he would give portions of the meat to his wife Peninnah and to all her sons and daughters.

1 Samuel 1:4 (NIV)

When you provide equally for all your children, they have no strives, so they’ll love one another. This eliminates bloodshed or quarrels in their midst.

Bible Verses To Teach Your Children Biblical Truths

Teaching children the ways of the Lord is essential. The Word of God is a seed that grows into spiritual fruit. Like planting a garden, once you plant and cultivate God’s Word in your children’s lives, you can be sure it will grow and yield tremendous fruits.

The best benefit of teaching children the Word of God from an early age is that even when they become adults, they won’t cease obeying it.

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

Proverbs 22:6 (KJB)

This gives you satisfaction knowing that even when they’re away from your sight, you can trust them to still follow the statutes you taught them.

Besides, it is easier for your children to obey the Word when you begin teaching them early than at a later age.

“My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; for they will add length to your days, years and peace to your life.”

Proverbs 3:1-21

Focusing on God throughout your life season of parenting helps you create more peaceful days and memories. Without any doubt, it’s rewarding to embrace Bible verses about parenting. The fruits are long-lasting.

Not to mention, if your kids feel at peace, you do too. Peaceful moments create positive memories, quality time, and loving feelings between you.

It doesn’t end there. God’s Word is also packed with divine wisdom that continues to bless your children as they transition to adulthood and become parents themselves.

You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus.

2 Timothy 3:15 (NLT)

Use any chance you have to discuss God and Christian ethics with your children.

For example, when watching a movie, let them know why they should not emulate some of the characters’ behaviors on TV. When preparing your favorite meal, remind them why it’s good to help in the kitchen – it’s an act of kindness and earns them a blessing.

“These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. “You shall teach them diligently to your sons 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.”

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (NASB 1995)

Consider the goodness of the Lord as a family, and speak such acts to your children. Let them know it’s not vain to serve God. God rewards those who obey him, so speak his faithfulness into their ears.

The living, the living—they praise you, as I am doing today; parents tell their children about your faithfulness.

Isaiah 38:19 (NIV) 

Discipline Them

Do not overlook disciplining your children. Failure to do so doesn’t portray love but negligence and hatred.

Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children. Those who love their children care enough to discipline them.

Proverbs 13:24 (NLT)

When parents fail to discipline children, their children tend to make sinful decisions. Such behaviors are likely to be legally punished. Else, they might fall into the hands of the mod, who may be too angry to spare their lives.

Set behavior expectations, making it obvious to your children that there will be repercussions for wicked acts. Discipline is different from saying that every single mistake should warrant a beating. But every disobedience should lead to swift and direct consequences when your warnings fall on deaf ears.

Discipline your children, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to their death.

Proverbs 19:1 (NIV)

Bible verses about love for your kids say you should not lay down the rod, then discipline them accordingly.

Discipline your children, and they will give you peace; they will bring you the delights you desire.

Proverbs 29:17 (NIV)

When you discipline your children, they learn to behave accordingly when in private and public. Proper behavior also allows you to rest easy, trusting you won’t receive mischievous behavior reports.

A rod and a reprimand impart wisdom, but a child left undisciplined disgraces its mother.

Proverbs 29:15 (NIV)

Modern society often looks down on parents for disciplining kids in public, sparking unnecessary fear. Just remember that it’s evident that your children (and your local community) might not like your actions at that moment. But in the long run, they will appreciate your efforts. You, too, will appreciate not sparing them.

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.

Proverbs 17:21 (NIV)

Regardless of how much you love your children, your mandate is to use the Word of God to rebuke them. When they misbehave, be quick to correct them. Teach them the Word at every opportunity, and let them embrace it in their hearts for as long as they live. Teach them to embody God’s teachings so that they have a more significant impact on their lives.

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.

2 Timothy 3:16 (NIV)

4 Things To Do When Parenting During Difficult Times

Parenting can be overwhelming, especially if you have a disabled or hyperactive child. Children are great at keeping you on your toes.

Some nights you won’t receive enough sleep or rest.

One moment you’re worried that they’ll injure themselves on something in the kitchen, another moment, you’re afraid furniture could fall on them.

Other times you’re worried they may choke on their food.

The list of potential hazards is endless.

How about you look unto the Lord when you feel faint?

Look To the Lord

He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength.

Isaiah 40:29 (ESV)

He will increase your strength when you can’t take it anymore. While you may feel weary, He always provides, giving you the strength to continue. Before you know it, your children are grown up, caring for themselves, and looking for ways to help care for you too.

Cast Out Anxiety

Anxiety, especially for first-time parents, feels inevitable, beginning when your child is born. The fear of hurting your baby or not providing enough can be overwhelming. Many moms question whether they’ll produce enough milk and if they can breastfeed correctly.

Sleep is also a scary prospect, especially with all the information provided by various doctors and specialists online. Sleeping next to a newborn may cause anxiety due to the fear of rolling over or suffocation.

As a parent, you may worry about having enough to provide for the newborn, especially with rising expenses and the cost of living.

The list, again, is endless. Read Bible verses about parenting and remind yourself that the Lord promised to be with you through each step.

Cast all your anxiety unto the Lord. Let Him help you and carry you through each phase of your life.

Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

1 Peter 5:7 (ESV)

Moreover, God blesses you with kids because He has great plans for you and them. He intends for your children to someday provide help, comfort, encouragement, and wealth, among other blessings.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV)

Keep going, feel encouraged, and celebrate every small and big win in your parenting journey.

Co-Work With Christ

You were never created to do everything alone. Life is difficult, but learning to co-work with Christ eases the burden.

Interestingly, God knows the end from the beginning. He knew you would be a parent before you knew it. Trust that He prepared you for that task, even when you question your worthiness.

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)

Rest easy knowing you’re capable of all the parenting hardships you endure. You have what it takes, and no one can care for your children better than you can, nor can anyone bring them up in a better way.

Depend on His Grace

Do you have one child, two, three, five, or more? His grace is sufficient for you. God gives you kids based on your ability to care for them and bring them up. Even when you feel too weak to continue, remember that He has given you enough grace for that time.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (ESV)

Don’t rush to hide and cry when you feel inadequate in your parenting. Instead, find additional time to spend with your Bible and read through encouraging Bible verses about parenting.

Rejoice since you know God’s power rests on you so powerfully that you can’t fail!

Remember how much the Lord has been faithful to you throughout your life, and fully trust in His mighty power. He has never failed you, and He won’t fail you now!

For you, O Lord, are my hope, my trust, O LORD, from my youth.

Psalm 71:5 (ESV)

Nothing has been or will ever be too hard for Him to accomplish. Do not be afraid, even in times of lack, sickness, drought, or other scary events that happen in this world.

What God Says About Parenting

God tells us parenting is a role that needs to be taken seriously. One day you’ll answer to Him regarding what you did with the gift (children) that He gave you. You, therefore, cannot afford to risk abandoning your kids or neglecting the duty of proving their basic needs.

God also says you should allow the children He has entrusted you to serve Him, don’t stop them!

Allow them to go to the house of the Lord to attend Sunday school classes, youth meetings, and other church events. Let them have the freedom of worship to serve the Lord their God.

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

Matthew 19:14 (NIV)

What Proverbs Says About Parenting

The Book of Proverbs says that you should start training a child in the ways of the Lord when they’re young. Don’t wait until they’re teenagers or when you notice weird behaviors to teach them about God.

As soon as they begin to talk, start Bible lessons. When they grow older and run into their own life challenges, they are more likely to hold onto what you taught them and lean into God instead of worldly vices.

Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.

Proverbs 22:6 (NIV)

Create An Inspired Relationship With Your Kids Using Ephesians 6: 1-4

Ephesians 6:1-4 focuses on the parent and child relationship. God has expectations for you and your children and how you act toward one another.

Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do. 2 “Honor your father and mother.” This is the first commandment with a promise: 3 If you honor your father and mother, “things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth.” 4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.

Ephesians 6:1-4 (NLT)

He expects children to obey their parents.

He also expects parents to love children and never provoke them into anger.

Though discipline seems harsh to the recipient, God expects every parent to hold their kids accountable and instruct them to be morally upright.

In all this, God expects parents and children to maintain a God-centered relationship so no one feels hurt and no one grows weary of doing good.

Closing Thoughts

None of the Bible verses about parenting is in the Bible by accident. They serve as a lamp to your parenting journey and light up your path. In all that you do, let these verses guide you.

The children you raise under the guidance of the Holy scripture will grow to live in harmony with each other, enjoying the inheritance you give them to the fullest.

Those who bring trouble on their families inherit the wind. The fool will be a servant to the wise.

Proverbs 11:29 (NLT)

When you raise your children in a Godly way, you’ll have the fullness of joy since you understand that trouble can never defeat you. Why? Wherever they go, people will praise them, and they’ll obtain favor before God and people.

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

3 John 1:4 (NIV)

Breathe, and don’t grow weary in your parenting responsibilities. You have the tools needed to feel spiritually refreshed and strong, knowing your sacrifices will result in a new generation of Godly men and/or women.

Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.

Proverbs 17:6 (NIV)

This article originally appeared on Hello Sensible and has been republished with permission by Mama Say What?!

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock /Andrey_Popov