The concept of "good children" in the Bible is closely associated with obedience, wisdom, and the presence of the Lord. Throughout Scripture, children who exhibit these qualities are often depicted as being under the special care and guidance of God. This entry explores the biblical understanding of good children and the assurance of God's presence with them.

Biblical Foundations

1. Obedience and Honor: The Bible emphasizes the importance of children obeying and honoring their parents as a fundamental aspect of righteousness. 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), 'so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.'" This passage highlights the promise of well-being and longevity for children who adhere to this commandment, suggesting that God's favor rests upon them.

2. Wisdom and Understanding: Proverbs frequently associates wisdom with the fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of knowledge. Proverbs 1:7 declares, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline." Good children, therefore, are those who seek wisdom and understanding, aligning themselves with God's will and receiving His guidance.

3. The Example of Jesus: Jesus Christ, as a child, is the ultimate example of a good child in whom the Lord was present. Luke 2:52 records, "And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man." This verse illustrates that Jesus' growth in wisdom and favor was a testament to God's presence with Him, serving as a model for all children.

God's Presence with Good Children

1. Protection and Guidance: The Bible assures that God is with those who walk in His ways, providing protection and guidance. Psalm 23:1-4 is a comforting reminder of God's presence: "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for the sake of His name. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me." This passage, while applicable to all believers, underscores the assurance of God's presence with those who follow Him, including good children.

2. Blessings and Favor: The presence of the Lord brings blessings and favor to good children. Psalm 128:1-2 states, "Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in His ways. For when you eat the fruit of your labor, blessings and prosperity will be yours." This promise of blessing is extended to families and their children, indicating that God's favor rests upon those who live righteously.

3. The Role of Parents: Parents play a crucial role in nurturing good children by teaching them the ways of the Lord. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 instructs, "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." By instilling God's commandments in their children, parents help ensure that the Lord's presence remains with them.

Conclusion

The Bible presents a clear picture of the characteristics and blessings associated with good children. Through obedience, wisdom, and the fear of the Lord, children can experience the abiding presence of God in their lives. The Scriptures provide both guidance and assurance that the Lord is with those who walk in His ways, offering protection, favor, and blessings to good children and their families.1 Samuel 3:19
And Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

"That those Grievously Sin who Despise or Neglect God's Gracious ...
... you, for it says, "Come hither, O children; listen to me ... I will teach you the fear
of the Lord." Then, as ... that desireth life, that loveth to see good days?" [974 ...
/.../clement/exhortation to the heathen/chapter ix that those grievously sin.htm

The Testament of Asher Concerning Two Faces of vice and virtue.
... 6. Take heed therefore ye also, my children, to the commandments of the Lord ... Keep
the law of the Lord, and give not heed unto evil as unto good; but look ...
/.../the testaments of the twelve patriarchs/x the testament of asher concerning.htm

Why all Things Work for Good
... I am thy God, thy Father, therefore all I do is for thy good. ... is a tender hearted
Father, "Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a divine cordial/why all things work for.htm

Profanations of Good and Truth
... In little children the Lord so arranges all ... to the kind and strength of the persuasion
that they are holy, and according to the kind of good and truth from ...
/.../spiritual life and the word of god/part thirdprofanations of good and.htm

But not yet About the Good to be Got from Martyrdom must we Learn. ...
... that will be pronounced beforehand quite good enough, which ... yourselves molten gods:
I am the Lord your God ... 8242] And in other passages: "The children of Israel ...
/.../scorpiace antidote for the scorpions sting/chapter ii but not yet.htm

Fathers and Children'
... your children grow up despisers of those who are good? ... to those who thus harden their
own children's hearts, and ... for the Lord Himself, who came to lay the axe ...
/.../kingsley/sermons for the times/sermon i fathers and children.htm

The Testament of Naphtali Concerning Natural Goodness.
... his eye, so also is his sleep; as his soul, so also is his word, either in the law
of the Lord or in ... So then, my children, be ye orderly unto good things in ...
/.../viii the testament of naphtali concerning.htm

The Testament of Simeon Concerning Envy.
... And now, my children, make your hearts good before the Lord, and your ways straight
before men, and ye shall find grace before God and men. ...
/.../ii the testament of simeon concerning.htm

God's Family.
... indeed the children of God; but specially the Lord calls those ... All the children in
this part of it, the earth, at least, are not good children; but however ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macdonald/hope of the gospel/gods family.htm

The Testament of Dan Concerning Anger and Lying.
... And if any man praiseth you as good, be not ... ye fall into any loss or ruin, my children,
be not ... when the soul is continually disturbed, the Lord departeth from ...
/.../the testaments of the twelve patriarchs/vii the testament of dan concerning.htm

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