Introduction

Parenting is a significant theme in the Bible, offering guidance and wisdom for raising children in a manner that honors God. The Scriptures provide principles and examples that underscore the importance of nurturing, disciplining, and instructing children in the ways of the Lord. This entry explores biblical advice for parents, drawing from various passages to highlight the responsibilities and blessings of parenthood.

Biblical Foundations

1. Instruction and Teaching

The Bible emphasizes the role of parents as primary educators of their children in spiritual and moral matters. 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 underscores the importance of instilling godly values and wisdom from an early age.

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 further instructs parents: "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 passage highlights the continuous and intentional nature of teaching children about God's commandments.

2. Discipline and Correction

Discipline is portrayed in the Bible as an expression of love and concern for a child's well-being. Proverbs 13:24 states, "He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him diligently." This proverb suggests that appropriate discipline is necessary for guiding children away from harmful behaviors and towards righteousness.

Hebrews 12:11 acknowledges the challenges of discipline: "No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields a harvest of righteousness and peace to those who have been trained by it." This verse reassures parents that although discipline may be difficult, it ultimately produces positive outcomes.

3. Modeling Godly Behavior

Parents are called to be role models, demonstrating a life of faith and obedience to God. In 1 Corinthians 11:1, Paul encourages believers to "imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ." This principle applies to parenting, as children often learn by observing their parents' actions and attitudes.

Ephesians 6:4 advises fathers, "Do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." This verse highlights the importance of nurturing a loving and respectful relationship with children, avoiding harshness that may lead to resentment.

4. Prayer and Dependence on God

The Bible encourages parents to rely on prayer and God's guidance in their parenting journey. James 1:5 offers reassurance: "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him." Parents are invited to seek divine wisdom in making decisions and addressing challenges.

Philippians 4:6-7 reminds parents to bring their concerns to God: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." This passage encourages parents to trust in God's provision and peace.

Examples of Biblical Parents

1. Hannah and Samuel

Hannah's dedication of her son Samuel to the Lord (1 Samuel 1:27-28) exemplifies a parent's commitment to God's purposes. Her faithfulness in prayer and her vow to God demonstrate the importance of entrusting children to God's care and guidance.

2. Mary and Jesus

Mary, the mother of Jesus, is a model of obedience and faith. Her response to the angel's announcement in Luke 1:38, "I am the Lord's servant. May it happen to me according to your word," reflects a heart willing to submit to God's will, a quality that parents are encouraged to emulate.

3. Lois, Eunice, and Timothy

The faith of Timothy's grandmother Lois and mother Eunice is commended in 2 Timothy 1:5. Their sincere faith and teaching played a crucial role in shaping Timothy's spiritual life, illustrating the impact of a godly heritage.

Conclusion

The Bible provides a wealth of wisdom and guidance for parents, emphasizing the importance of teaching, discipline, modeling godly behavior, and relying on prayer. Through biblical examples and direct instruction, parents are encouraged to raise their children in a manner that honors God and prepares them for a life of faith and obedience.Ephesians 6:1
Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
Topicalbible.org

Colossians 3:20
Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing to the Lord.
Topicalbible.org

Christian Casuistry.
... thou shalt not do this." Whensoever therefore, we come to advice there is ... it is the
instinctive, unwavering conviction of every Christian parent, united though ...
/.../robertson/sermons preached at brighton/xiii christian casuistry.htm

That Lucretius and Others have Erred, and Cicero Himself, in ...
... or what has that parent of life taught you, if you are deplorably ignorant of the
truth? ... [420] [Advice which he took to heart as a swinish debauchee.]. ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap xiv that lucretius and others.htm

Search the Scriptures
... We always respect their advice, even when we cannot receive it, for the sake of
the ... I had never heard any preacher, or had never been taught by a parent; and I ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/search the scriptures.htm

Then Maximian Returned into Gaul; and after Having Made Some Stay ...
... The young prince believed the advice to be judicious, because given by an aged and ...
The rebel emperor, and unnatural parent and a perfidious father-in-law, was ...
/.../chap xxix then maximian returned.htm

Mutual Help.
... Secondly, let me give you a few homely words of advice about the special ... where you
have very frequently to stand alone, without the help of parent or teacher. ...
/.../the life of duty a years plain sermons v 2/sermon lxiv mutual help.htm

In the Sod Cellar
... To this advice John made no reply; for an appetite was being formed, and in ... have
more fully realized how next to impossible it is for a parent to availingly ...
//christianbookshelf.org/byrum/how john became a man/chapter ii in the sod.htm

To the Rev. J. Jowett
... translators, even when they come to your door to ask for your advice and assistance ...
But he said that in China children never address their parent in this manner ...
/.../borrow/letters of george borrow/to the rev j jowett 14.htm

Useful Hints.
... no definite rule whereby parents may control their home, except to seek advice from
God ... not lost; but, on the other hand, is a benefit for both parent and child ...
/.../byrum/the value of a praying mother/chapter xxvii useful hints.htm

2 Cor. Iii. 5
... as we should not fail to judge thus in the Case of any Earthly Parent; so we ... The
Verse before is Advice to the Wicked: Lay not wait, O wicked Man, against the ...
/.../sermon xiv 2 cor iii.htm

Slaves and Free
... the Apostle here treats the great abomination of slavery, and the singular advice
that he ... sell away dear ones; he could part husband and wife, parent and child ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/slaves and free.htm

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