Topical Bible: Children: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To

◄ Children: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To ►

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The Bible contains numerous references to children, reflecting their significance in the spiritual and communal life of God's people. These scriptures provide insights into the nature, role, and value of children from a biblical perspective.

Children as a Blessing from God

Children are often depicted as a blessing and a reward from the Lord. In Psalm 127:3-5 , it is written: "Children are indeed a heritage from the LORD, and the fruit of the womb is His reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them." This passage highlights the joy and honor associated with having children, portraying them as gifts that bring strength and purpose to a family.

The Innocence and Humility of Children

Jesus Christ emphasized the importance of childlike qualities, such as innocence and humility, in the Kingdom of Heaven. In Matthew 18:2-4 , Jesus called a little child to Him and said, "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." This teaching underscores the value of humility and trust, qualities that children naturally possess and that believers are encouraged to emulate.

Protection and Care for Children

The Bible also stresses the importance of protecting and caring for children. In Mark 9:42 , Jesus warns, "Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a large millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea." This severe admonition reflects the high regard in which children are held and the responsibility of adults to nurture and guide them in faith.

Instruction and Discipline

Scripture provides guidance on the upbringing of children, emphasizing the role of instruction and discipline. Proverbs 22:6 advises, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." This verse highlights the importance of instilling godly values and wisdom in children from an early age. Additionally, Proverbs 13:24 states, "He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him diligently." This passage suggests that loving discipline is an essential component of child-rearing, aimed at guiding children towards righteousness.

Children in the Community of Faith

Children are recognized as integral members of the faith community. In Deuteronomy 6:6-7 , the Israelites are instructed, "These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." This commandment underscores the communal responsibility to pass down the teachings of the Lord to the next generation, ensuring that children grow up with a strong foundation in faith.

Jesus' Love for Children

The Gospels frequently depict Jesus' love and concern for children. In Mark 10:13-16 , people were bringing little children to Jesus for Him to place His hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, He was indignant and said, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." He took the children in His arms, placed His hands on them, and blessed them. This account illustrates Jesus' deep affection for children and His desire for them to be welcomed and blessed within the community of believers.

These unclassified scriptures collectively portray children as precious in the eyes of God, deserving of love, guidance, and protection. They serve as a reminder of the responsibility entrusted to parents and the faith community to nurture and cherish the youngest among them.

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Nehemiah 12:43
Also that day they offered great sacrifices, and rejoiced: for God had made them rejoice with great joy: the wives also and the children rejoiced: so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard even afar off.
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Psalm 8:2
Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings have you ordained strength because of your enemies, that you might still the enemy and the avenger.
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Proverbs 10:1
The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son makes a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.
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Proverbs 13:1
A wise son hears his father's instruction: but a scorner hears not rebuke.
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Proverbs 15:5,20
A fool despises his father's instruction: but he that regards reproof is prudent.
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Proverbs 28:7
Whoever keeps the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shames his father.
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Ecclesiastes 4:13
Better is a poor and a wise child than an old and foolish king, who will no more be admonished.
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Malachi 1:6
A son honors his father, and a servant his master: if then I be a father, where is my honor? and if I be a master, where is my fear? said the LORD of hosts to you, O priests, that despise my name. And you say, Wherein have we despised your name?
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Matthew 21:15,16
And when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying in the temple, and saying, Hosanna to the son of David; they were sore displeased,
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