Topical Bible: Righteous: Little Children

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In the biblical context, the concept of righteousness is often associated with purity, innocence, and a right standing before God. Little children are frequently highlighted in Scripture as exemplars of these qualities, embodying a form of righteousness that is both instructive and illustrative for believers.

Biblical References and Themes

1. Innocence and Purity: Little children are often seen as symbols of innocence and purity, qualities that are closely linked to righteousness. In Matthew 18:3 , Jesus emphasizes the importance of childlike qualities for entering the kingdom of heaven: "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." This verse underscores the value of humility and purity, traits that are naturally found in children and are essential for righteousness.

2. Dependence and Trust: Children naturally exhibit a dependence and trust in their caregivers, which mirrors the trust and faith believers are called to have in God. In Mark 10:14-15 , Jesus says, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." This passage highlights the importance of a trusting and dependent relationship with God, akin to that of a child with a parent.

3. Teachability and Humility: The teachable nature of children is another aspect of their righteousness. 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 reflects the potential for righteousness that exists within children, emphasizing the importance of guiding them in the ways of the Lord.

4. Protection and Value: The Bible also speaks to the protection and value of children, recognizing their inherent worth and the righteousness of caring for them. In Psalm 127:3 , it is written, "Children are indeed a heritage from the LORD, and the fruit of the womb is His reward." This verse acknowledges the divine blessing that children represent, and the responsibility to nurture and protect them as part of God's righteous plan.

5. Warnings Against Leading Children Astray: Scripture provides stern warnings against causing children to stumble or leading them away from righteousness. In Matthew 18:6 , Jesus warns, "But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea." This severe admonition underscores the importance of safeguarding the spiritual well-being of children.

Theological Implications

The portrayal of little children in the Bible serves as a powerful metaphor for the qualities that define righteousness. Their innocence, trust, and humility are not only characteristics to be admired but are also essential attributes for those seeking to live a righteous life before God. The emphasis on childlike faith and purity challenges believers to cultivate these qualities in their own spiritual journeys.

In summary, the biblical depiction of little children as righteous serves as a profound reminder of the virtues that are pleasing to God. Through their example, believers are called to embrace a life of humility, trust, and purity, reflecting the righteousness that is found in the kingdom of God.

Nave's Topical Index

Matthew 18:3
And said, Truly I say to you, Except you be converted, and become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Nave's Topical Index

1 Corinthians 14:20
Brothers, be not children in understanding: however, in malice be you children, but in understanding be men.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

"My Little Children, These Things Write I unto You, that Ye Sin ...
... God,""sin" then "we have an advocate with the Father, even Jesus Christ the righteous,"
who hath ... "These things I write unto you, little children." To enforce ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xxi my little children.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Luke xviii. 1,"They Ought Always to ...
... who went up into the temple to pray: and of the little children who were ... spake this
parable unto certain who seemed to themselves to be righteous, and despised ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon lxv on the words.htm

Practical Righteousness
... I. JOHN PRACTICAL RIGHTEOUSNESS. 'Little children, let no man deceive you; he that
doeth righteousness is righteous, even as He is righteous.'"1 John 3:7. ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/practical righteousness.htm

"We have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous. ...
... he hath satisfied in our stead, and now it is as righteous and equitable ... thou be
one that finds the power of that persuasion,""My little children, I write ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xxvi we have an.htm

Human Nature Possesses an Adaptation for Perfection; the Gnostic ...
... his face; so also a divine power of goodness clinging to the righteous soul in ... It
is He Himself who says, "Little children, a little while I am still with you ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xii human nature possesses an.htm

The Fifty-Eighth Chapter: High Matters and the Hidden Judgments of ...
... this: "The judgments of the Lord are true and wholly righteous." [43] My ... heard this
response: "Unless you be converted and become as little children, you shall ...
/.../kempis/the imitation of christ/the fifty-eighth chapter high matters.htm

The Three Last Parables of the Per??an Series: the Unrighteous ...
... also light on such comparisons as between the righteous' elder brother ... Christ to
His disciples concerning the reception of little children, which immediately ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xix the three last.htm

Jacob --Israel --Jeshurun
... of affectionate contemplation uttered with such earnestness:"'Little children! let
no man deceive you. He that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as He ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/jacobisraeljeshurun.htm

Psalm CXVIII.
... exaltation of the perfect and the obedience of the little children; that all ... themselves,
that wickedness, which in them persecuted the righteous, having been ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxviii.htm

The Message and Its Practical Results
... 'My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any
man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: 2 ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/the message and its practical.htm