Topical Bible: Children: Good: Attend to Parental Teaching

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The Bible places significant emphasis on the importance of children heeding the instruction and guidance of their parents. This principle is rooted in the belief that parental teaching is a primary means through which God imparts wisdom and moral understanding to the younger generation. The Scriptures consistently affirm the value of this instruction, encouraging children to embrace and adhere to the lessons imparted by their parents.

Biblical Foundation

The book of Proverbs, known for its wisdom literature, frequently addresses the relationship between parents and children, underscoring the importance of listening to parental guidance. Proverbs 1:8-9 states, "Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction, and do not forsake the teaching of your mother. For they are a garland of grace on your head and a pendant around your neck." This passage highlights the honor and beauty associated with adhering to parental teaching, likening it to adornments that enhance one's character and life.

Similarly, Proverbs 6:20-22 advises, "My son, keep your father’s commandment, and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. Bind them always upon your heart; tie them around your neck. When you walk, they will guide you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you." Here, the text emphasizes the protective and guiding role of parental instruction, suggesting that it provides constant direction and safety throughout life's journey.

The Role of Parents

In the biblical context, parents are seen as the primary educators and moral guides for their children. Ephesians 6:4 instructs fathers, "Do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." This verse underscores the responsibility of parents to nurture their children in a manner that reflects God's teachings, ensuring that their guidance is rooted in love and righteousness.

The Promise of Obedience

The Bible also associates blessings with the obedience of children to their parents. Ephesians 6:1-3 states, "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 'Honor your father and mother' (which is the first commandment with a promise), 'that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life on the earth.'" This passage reiterates the commandment from Exodus 20:12, linking the honoring of parents with the promise of well-being and longevity.

The Example of Jesus

Jesus Christ Himself exemplified obedience to parental authority during His earthly life. In Luke 2:51 , it is recorded, "Then He went down to Nazareth with them and was subject to them. But His mother treasured up all these things in her heart." Jesus' submission to His earthly parents serves as a model for all children, demonstrating the virtue of humility and respect within the family structure.

Conclusion

The biblical exhortation for children to attend to parental teaching is a recurring theme that underscores the value of wisdom, guidance, and moral instruction passed down through generations. By adhering to the teachings of their parents, children align themselves with a divine order that promises blessing, protection, and a life enriched by godly wisdom.

Nave's Topical Index

Proverbs 13:1
A wise son hears his father's instruction: but a scorner hears not rebuke.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Upbringing of Jewish Children
... in Palestine was legally bound to attend to the ... applied in the fullest sense: "Her
children arise up ... was one influence for highest good"constant, unvarying ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 7 the upbringing of.htm

Consecration.
... keenly than ever the value of confidence between children and parents ... My mother was
a good woman, but she didn't ... come to board with the family and attend school ...
/.../byrum/the value of a praying mother/chapter v consecration.htm

The Domestic Relation.
... Children should attend to the faithful instruction of their ... "But if any widow have
children or nephews ... to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable ...
/.../orr/the gospel day /chapter xiii the domestic relation.htm

Infancy.
... aid it in unfolding, And the bent unto good or evil ... for the body and mind of their
children seems to ... thought of the deep curse that will attend your neglect of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/philips/the christian home/chapter ix infancy.htm

The Teen Age Teacher
... to the parents through the boy himself to attend a week ... as a good man if the Teacher
is a good worker ... of hunger and the fight for life, that the children who are ...
/.../alexander/the boy and the sunday school/xix the teen age teacher.htm

Moravians, or United Brethren.
... whose province it is to assist them with good advice and admonition, and to attend,
as much as ... The children of each sex are under the immediate care of the ...
/.../hayward/the book of religions/moravians or united brethren.htm

Family Prayer.
... hope to receive your reward, and see your children grow up ... Its members enjoy the
good and the pleasantness of ... Some attend to it only occasionally; some only in ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/philips/the christian home/chapter xv family prayer.htm

Trials to be Met.
... with none at all, and obliged to attend to many ... requires all parents to train up
their children in that ... they can be instrumental of the most good, even though ...
/.../dibble/thoughts on missions/chapter viii trials to be.htm

The Fear which Terminates in the Second Death.
... Suppose some savage horde to attend only to the bodies ... parent rejoice to witness
in them good things toward ... greater joy than to observe his children walking in ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xx the fear which.htm

The Waterer Watered
... very happily situated where you can constantly attend the means ... of the children,
you will get your children's prayers. ... of what he was doing for the good of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the waterer watered.htm