The concept of wicked children being void of understanding is a theme that appears throughout the Bible, emphasizing the moral and spiritual deficiencies that accompany wickedness from a young age. This entry explores the biblical perspective on the nature and consequences of wickedness in children, drawing from various scriptural references.

Biblical References

1. Proverbs 22:15 · "Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him." This verse highlights the inherent foolishness present in children, suggesting that without proper guidance and discipline, this foolishness can manifest as wickedness. The "rod of discipline" is seen as a necessary tool to correct and guide children towards understanding and righteousness.

2. Proverbs 29:15 · "A rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left undisciplined disgraces his mother." Here, the lack of discipline is directly linked to disgrace, implying that children who are not corrected are prone to wickedness and a lack of understanding. The verse underscores the importance of parental responsibility in imparting wisdom and understanding.

3. Proverbs 1:7 · "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline." This passage suggests that wicked children, characterized as fools, reject the foundational elements of understanding—wisdom and discipline. The fear of the Lord is presented as the starting point for true knowledge, which wicked children lack.

4. Ephesians 6:1-4 · "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.' Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." This New Testament passage reinforces the Old Testament teachings by emphasizing obedience and the role of parents in nurturing children in the ways of the Lord. Disobedience and lack of instruction can lead to a void of understanding.

Theological Implications

From a theological standpoint, the Bible presents wickedness in children as a deviation from God's intended order. Children are born with a sinful nature, as seen in Psalm 51:5, "Surely I was brought forth in iniquity; I was sinful when my mother conceived me." This inherent sinfulness necessitates guidance and correction to cultivate understanding and righteousness.

The absence of understanding in wicked children is often attributed to a rejection of divine wisdom and parental instruction. The Bible consistently links understanding with the fear of the Lord and adherence to His commandments. Wickedness, therefore, is not merely a behavioral issue but a spiritual deficiency that requires intervention through godly discipline and teaching.

Practical Application

For parents and guardians, the biblical mandate is clear: to raise children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. This involves not only correcting misbehavior but also instilling a reverence for God and His wisdom. The role of the family is crucial in shaping the moral and spiritual understanding of children, preventing the development of wickedness.

Church communities are also called to support families in this endeavor, providing resources and guidance to help nurture children in the faith. By fostering environments where biblical principles are taught and lived out, the church can aid in filling the void of understanding that characterizes wickedness in children.

In summary, the Bible portrays wicked children as lacking understanding due to their rejection of wisdom and discipline. Through diligent instruction and godly discipline, parents and communities can guide children towards a life of understanding and righteousness.Proverbs 7:7
And beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, a young man void of understanding,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Many-Sided Contrast of Wisdom and Folly
... bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding ... not; and it is
not always the children's fault ... The overthrow of the wicked is set in striking ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the many-sided contrast of wisdom.htm

The Sluggard's Farm
... many children and these grew up to be wicked young men ... make your classes so tiresome
to the children that they ... in the future we may not be void of understanding ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the sluggards farm.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Mark viii. 5, Etc. , Where the Miracle ...
... and children." [3142] As though the void of understanding ... Bridegroom, "fair in beauty
above the children of men ... the wedding garment" is the body of the wicked. ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xlv on the words.htm

A Discourse On
... And void is their hope and their toils unprofitable, and useless are their works.
Their wives are foolish, and wicked are their children; accursed is ...
/.../various/select masterpieces of biblical literature/ii a discourse on.htm

On Admonition and Repentance.
... to be angry, be angry with the wicked and it ... His lords are void of mercy, for they
grant him ... thou refuge in indigence, who nourishes her children with choice ...
/.../hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/on admonition and repentance.htm

The Teaching of the Apostles in Opposition to Jewish and Gentile ...
... say that marriage with the procreation of children is evil ... and understanding, and
suffers not the wicked spirit to ... days of thy separation thou art void of the ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec v the teaching of the.htm

Appendix.
... and reject me not from among Thy children, for I ... but it is overthrown by the mouth
of the wicked. He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbours, but a man ...
//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/the general menaion/appendix.htm

Matt. xii. 38, 39
... unto the devils, drawing to yourselves wicked lovers. ... as they had been beforehand
more void of understanding ... are diseased in Marcion's way are children of the ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xliii matt xii 38.htm

Concerning the Power of the Civil Magistrate in Matters Purely ...
... to evince that, seeing heretics, as well as hypocrites, are children of the wicked
one, they ... to deal with men as if they were brutes, void of understanding ...
/.../proposition xiv concerning the power.htm

Of Evil Angels
... For such is the malice of the wicked one, that he ... devil sometimes does, to torment
the poor children of men ... walked;" that ye have a "conscience void of offence ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 72 of evil angels.htm

What does the Bible say about disrespectful children? | GotQuestions.org

Does God expect all of us to have children? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about the evangelization of children? | GotQuestions.org

Children: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus