Ungodly Parents
Jump to: TopicalLibrarySubtopicsTerms
Topical Encyclopedia
In the Bible, the concept of ungodly parents is addressed through various narratives and teachings that highlight the consequences of failing to adhere to God's commandments and the impact such behavior can have on future generations. The Scriptures provide numerous examples and warnings about the influence of ungodly parents on their children and society at large.

Biblical Examples:

1. Ahab and Jezebel: One of the most notorious examples of ungodly parents in the Bible is King Ahab and his wife Jezebel. Ahab, described as doing "more evil in the eyes of the LORD than all who were before him" (1 Kings 16:30), led Israel into idolatry and immorality. Jezebel, his wife, further incited him to do evil, as seen in her persecution of the prophets of God and her promotion of Baal worship (1 Kings 18:4, 19:1-2). Their actions had dire consequences for their family and the nation of Israel, culminating in the violent deaths of their descendants (2 Kings 9:7-10).

2. Manasseh: King Manasseh of Judah is another example of an ungodly parent. He "did evil in the sight of the LORD" by rebuilding high places, erecting altars for Baal, and practicing witchcraft (2 Kings 21:2-6). His reign led Judah into sin, and although he later repented, the damage was done, and his son Amon continued in his father's ungodly ways (2 Kings 21:19-22).

Teachings and Warnings:

1. Influence on Children: The Bible emphasizes the responsibility of parents to raise their children in the fear and admonition of the Lord. Proverbs 22:6 instructs, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." Ungodly parents, by contrast, fail to provide this spiritual guidance, leading their children astray.

2. Generational Consequences: The Scriptures warn that the sins of parents can have repercussions for future generations. Exodus 20:5 states, "You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on their children to the third and fourth generation of those who hate Me." This passage underscores the potential for ungodly behavior to perpetuate through family lines.

3. Call to Righteousness: Despite the presence of ungodly parents, the Bible also offers hope and redemption. Ezekiel 18:20 declares, "The soul who sins is the one who will die. A son will not bear the iniquity of his father, nor will a father bear the iniquity of his son." This verse highlights individual responsibility and the possibility of breaking free from the cycle of sin through personal repentance and faithfulness to God.

Practical Implications:

The Bible encourages believers to be vigilant in their spiritual walk and to seek God's wisdom in parenting. 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 instruction serves as a reminder of the critical role parents play in shaping the spiritual and moral character of their children.

In summary, the Bible provides clear examples and teachings regarding the impact of ungodly parents. Through these narratives and instructions, believers are called to pursue righteousness and to guide their families in accordance with God's will, ensuring a legacy of faithfulness for future generations.
Topical Bible Verses
1 Peter 3:2
While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.
Topicalbible.org

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

Ephesians 6:4
And, you fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
Topicalbible.org

Library

Sins of Parents visited
... low in the world" here all has been so much against me"my parents were the ... And on
the other hand, an ungodly and profligate youth leads, by the same laws ...
/.../kingsley/all saints day and other sermons/sermon xxvi sins of parents.htm

Infant Salvation
... Understand that this morning I have not made a distinction between the children
of godly and ungodly parents. If they die in infancy ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/infant salvation.htm

The Motives to this Oversight
... The ungodly husband will tell his wife, and the ungodly parents will tell their
children, and ungodly neighbors and fellow-servants will be telling one another ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/section 2 the motives to.htm

The Power of Little Things.
... But they can give their young hearts to Christ. A good many years ago I had a mission
school in Chicago. The children were mostly those of ungodly parents. ...
/.../moody/to the work to the work/chapter vi the power of.htm

Home-Example.
... upon the approved model of their parents, then the duty to give them a Christian
model is very obvious. They will rather follow your ungodly example than obey ...
//christianbookshelf.org/philips/the christian home/chapter xx home-example.htm

Apart
... else. He does not think of laying the blame on those who tempted him, or
on ungodly parents who neglected his education. He looks ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 43 1897/apart.htm

The Promises of the Christian Home.
... But some may object to this position, and remind us that pious parents
are known to have ungodly children who died in their sins. ...
/.../philips/the christian home/chapter xxv the promises of.htm

The Comer's Conflict with Satan
... spirit, are a picture of the sins, iniquities, and vices into which ungodly men
are ... The bringing of this child to the Saviour by his parents teaches us a lesson ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/the comers conflict with satan.htm

On Domestic and Social Life.
... begat them, they will not be punished alone by themselves; but their parents also
will be ... to God, as to the ministers of God, and the punishers of the ungodly. ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec ii on domestic and social.htm

The Mission of the Christian Home.
... parents, in their marriage alliance as well as in their individual character, should
qualify themselves for the responsible mission of home. Can the ungodly ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/philips/the christian home/chapter ii the mission of.htm

Resources
What is apostasy and how can I recognize it? | GotQuestions.org

What is an abomination? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean that God is able to keep us from falling (Jude 24)? | GotQuestions.org

Ungodly: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Ungodly Nation
Top of Page
Top of Page