Topical Bible: Good Children: Attend to Parental Teaching

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, the importance of children attending to parental teaching is emphasized as a fundamental aspect of a godly life. The Scriptures provide numerous references that highlight the value of heeding the wisdom and instruction imparted by parents, which is seen as a pathway to righteousness and blessing.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible underscores the role of parents as primary educators in the spiritual and moral development of their children. Proverbs, a book rich in wisdom literature, frequently addresses the relationship between parents and children. 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 illustrates the beauty and honor that come from adhering to parental guidance.

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 teachings of parents are portrayed as a constant source of guidance and protection.

The Role of Obedience

Obedience to parental teaching is not merely a cultural expectation but a divine command. Ephesians 6:1-3 instructs, "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 connects obedience to parents with the promise of well-being and longevity, reflecting the blessings that come from living in accordance with God's design.

Parental Responsibility

While children are called to listen and obey, parents are tasked with the responsibility of providing godly instruction. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 commands, "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 directive emphasizes the continuous and intentional nature of parental teaching, integrating it into daily life.

Consequences of Neglect

The Bible also warns of the consequences of neglecting parental instruction. Proverbs 30:17 offers a stark warning: "As for the eye that mocks a father and scorns obedience to a mother, may the ravens of the valley pluck it out and young vultures devour it." This vivid imagery serves as a caution against the dangers of disregarding parental authority and wisdom.

Conclusion

The biblical mandate for children to attend to parental teaching is clear and compelling. It is a theme woven throughout Scripture, emphasizing the blessings of obedience and the perils of neglect. By adhering to the wisdom of their parents, children align themselves with God's will and position themselves to receive His favor and guidance throughout their lives.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

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

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.
... My mother was a good woman, but she didn't realize ... had come to board with the family
and attend school. ... prayer and the value of the confidence of his children. ...
/.../byrum/the value of a praying mother/chapter v consecration.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 Domestic Relation.
... Who is the reader that can not remember instances in his early life when he felt
the influence of some good spirit and had ... Children should attend to the ...
/.../orr/the gospel day /chapter xiii the domestic relation.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

Family Prayer.
... Its members enjoy the good and the pleasantness of ... Some attend to it only occasionally;
some only in ... engage in closet prayer, but their children are strangers ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/philips/the christian home/chapter xv family prayer.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

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