Summary

Bible verse about children

Bible verse about children

The Heritage of the Lord: The Ultimate Biblical Guide to Children and Parenting

Part 1: The Scripture Collection (65 Verses)

Children as a Blessing & Heritage

1. Psalm 127:3 – “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.”

2. Psalm 127:4 – “Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth.”

3. Psalm 127:5 – “Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.”

4. Psalm 128:3 – “Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table.”

5. Psalm 128:4 – “Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who fears the Lord.”

6. Proverbs 17:6 – “Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers.”

7. Genesis 33:5 – “And when Esau lifted up his eyes and saw the women and children, he said, ‘Who are these with you?’ Jacob said, ‘The children whom God has graciously given your servant.'”

8. Genesis 48:9 – “Joseph said to his father, ‘They are my sons, whom God has given me here.’ And he said, ‘Bring them to me, please, that I may bless them.'”

9. Mark 10:16 – “And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.”

10. Matthew 18:10 – “See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.”

11. Luke 1:17 – “To turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just.”

12. Psalm 113:9 – “He gives the barren woman a home, making her the joyous mother of children. Praise the Lord!”

13. Psalm 115:14 – “May the Lord give you increase, you and your children!”

14. John 16:21 – “When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow… but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world.”

15. Ruth 4:13 – “So Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife. And he went in to her, and the Lord gave her conception, and she bore a son.”

Jesus and Children (The Kingdom Model)

16. Matthew 19:14 – “But Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.'”

17. Mark 9:37 – “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me.”

18. Matthew 18:3 – “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”

19. Matthew 18:4 – “Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”

20. Matthew 18:5 – “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me.”

21. Matthew 21:16 – “From the mouths of nursing babies and infants you have ordained praise.”

22. Luke 9:48 – “For he who is least among you all is the one who is great.”

Instruction for Parents (Discipline & Teaching)

23. Proverbs 22:6 – “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”

24. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 – “And these words… you shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.”

25. Ephesians 6:4 – “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”

26. Colossians 3:21 – “Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.”

27. Proverbs 29:17 – “Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your heart.”

28. Proverbs 13:24 – “Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.”

29. Proverbs 29:15 – “The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.”

30. Proverbs 19:18 – “Discipline your son, for there is hope; do not set your heart on putting him to death.”

31. Deuteronomy 4:9 – “Make them known to your children and your children’s children.”

32. Deuteronomy 11:19 – “You shall teach them to your children, talking of them when you are sitting in your house…”

33. Joel 1:3 – “Tell your children of it, and let your children tell their children, and their children to another generation.”

34. Psalm 78:4 – “We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done.”

35. Proverbs 22:15 – “Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him.”

36. 1 Timothy 3:4 – “He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive.”

37. Titus 2:4 – “And so train the young women to love their husbands and children.”

38. 2 Timothy 3:15 – “And how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation.”

Instruction for Children (Obedience & Honor)

39. Ephesians 6:1 – “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.”

40. Ephesians 6:2-3 – “Honor your father and mother (this is the first commandment with a promise), that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.”

41. Colossians 3:20 – “Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.”

42. Exodus 20:12 – “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.”

43. Proverbs 1:8 – “Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, and forsake not your mother’s teaching.”

44. Proverbs 6:20 – “My son, keep your father’s commandment, and forsake not your mother’s teaching.”

45. Proverbs 23:22 – “Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.”

46. Proverbs 15:5 – “A fool despises his father’s instruction, but whoever heeds reproof is prudent.”

47. Proverbs 20:11 – “Even a child makes himself known by his acts, by whether his conduct is pure and upright.”

48. Leviticus 19:3 – “Every one of you shall revere his mother and his father.”

God’s Protection & Care for the Vulnerable

49. Psalm 68:5 – “Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation.”

50. Isaiah 49:15 – “Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you.”

51. Hosea 11:1 – “When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son.”

52. Psalm 27:10 – “For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the Lord will take me in.”

53. Lamentations 2:19 – “Pour out your heart like water… lift your hands to him for the lives of your children.”

54. Psalm 103:13 – “As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.”

55. Isaiah 54:13 – “All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children.”

56. Jeremiah 1:5 – “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you.”

57. Psalm 139:13 – “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.”

58. 1 John 3:1 – “See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God.”

59. Romans 8:16 – “The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.”

60. Galatians 3:26 – “For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith.”

61. 3 John 1:4 – “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”

62. Proverbs 14:26 – “In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge.”

63. Psalm 37:25 – “I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread.”

64. Psalm 102:28 – “The children of your servants shall dwell secure; their offspring shall be established before you.”

65. Exodus 2:6 – (Pharaoh’s daughter finds Moses) “She saw the child, and behold, the baby was crying. She took pity on him.”

---

Part 2: Top 25 Forum Q&A (Real Parenting Struggles)

I have analyzed the most active threads on r/ChristianParenting, GotQuestions, and Focus on the Family forums to address the real, gritty questions parents ask.

1. Q: Does “Train up a child” (Prov 22:6) guarantee they won’t leave the faith? A: No. Proverbs are principles, not promises. It means if you set a trajectory, they are likely to return to it, but free will exists. Even God has prodigal children. It gives hope, not a legal contract.

2. Q: Is spanking (“the rod”) required for Christian parents? A: This is debated. “The rod” in Hebrew (shevet) implies guidance and correction (like a shepherd). Many theologians believe effective discipline is required, but the method (physical vs. non-physical) requires wisdom and adherence to conscience and law, ensuring it is never done in anger.

3. Q: How do I handle a rebellious teenager biblically? A: Model the Father in Luke 15 (The Prodigal Son). Keep the door open, love unconditionally, but allow them to experience the consequences of their choices in the “pig pen” without enabling them.

4. Q: My child has special needs. Is this a result of sin? A: Absolutely not. See John 9:3. Jesus clarified that disability is not caused by parental sin but is an opportunity for the works of God to be displayed. Every child is fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139).

5. Q: How do I explain God to a toddler? A: Use concrete terms. “God made the flowers.” “Jesus is the Good Shepherd who holds the sheep.” Use the “Jesus Method”—stories and visuals.

6. Q: What if my spouse and I disagree on discipline? A: Unity is key (Mark 3:25). You must come to a compromise behind closed doors. Presenting a divided front confuses the child and invites manipulation.

7. Q: How do I protect my children from worldly culture? A: You cannot isolate them forever, but you can inoculate them. Teach them how to think, not just what to think. Be the first to talk to them about hard topics (Deut 6:7) so the world doesn’t educate them first.

8. Q: Is it a sin to be angry at my kids? A: Anger is an emotion; aggression is a sin. “Be angry and do not sin” (Eph 4:26). If you yell or shame them, apologize. Modeling repentance is a powerful lesson.

9. Q: Should we force our kids to go to church? A: As long as they live under your roof, they participate in the family rhythm (“As for me and my house”). However, as they age, focus on relationship over ritual so they don’t resent the faith.

10. Q: How do I deal with infertility when the Bible says children are a blessing? A: This is deep pain. Remember that your worth is not in reproduction but in being a child of God yourself. God often brings fruitfulness in other ways (spiritual parenting, adoption). Hannah’s prayer (1 Samuel 1) validates the grief.

11. Q: Is adoption a biblical mandate? A: It is the heart of the Gospel (we are adopted, Romans 8:15). While not every family is called to adopt, every Christian is called to care for the orphan (James 1:27).

12. Q: How do I stop worrying about my children’s safety? A: You must entrust them to the only One who can be with them everywhere. You are the steward, not the owner. Pray Psalm 91 over them.

13. Q: Can I disinherit a child? A: Scripture says a good man leaves an inheritance (Prov 13:22), but it also warns against giving wealth to a fool. Wisdom suggests not funding their destruction (addiction/sin).

14. Q: How do I parent adult children? A: Shift from “Control” to “Influence.” Stop giving unsolicited advice. Be their cheerleader and prayer warrior.

15. Q: What if I don’t like my child’s personality? A: Love is a command; like is an emotion. Pray for God to show you His image in them. Often, what annoys us in them is a reflection of our own flaws.

16. Q: How do I teach my child to pray? A: Let them hear you pray. Keep it simple. “Thank you, God, for…” “Please help…” Prayer is caught more than taught.

17. Q: Is it okay to prioritize my marriage over my children? A: Yes, it is biblical. The marriage is the foundation of the home. If the foundation cracks, the children suffer. The best gift you can give your kids is loving your spouse.

18. Q: How do I handle “step-parenting” biblically? A: With extreme patience and grace. You are grafting a family together. Focus on building trust before enforcing discipline.

19. Q: What if my child says they don’t believe in God? A: Don’t panic. Don’t shame. Ask questions: “Tell me why you feel that way.” Keep the relationship strong. Truth often wins in the long run if the bridge of love remains intact.

20. Q: How do I handle bullying (my child being bullied or being the bully)? A: If bullied: Teach them identity in Christ and how to seek help (Rom 12:19). If the bully: Address the root of the heart (insecurity/anger) and demand restitution/apology.

21. Q: Should I home-school or public school? A: The Bible commands education in the Lord, not the method. This is a matter of conscience and calling for each specific family and child.

22. Q: How do I teach my child generosity? A: Let them put the money in the offering plate. Have them pick toys to donate.

23. Q: What does “do not provoke your children” mean? A: It means don’t lead with harshness, inconsistency, or impossible standards that crush their spirit.

24. Q: How do I handle a child who lies? A: Emphasize that truth maintains relationship. Lying breaks trust. Punishment should focus on the breach of trust, not just the act.

25. Q: Is it okay to grieve an empty nest? A: Yes. It is a change of season. But remember, your job was to create arrows to shoot out, not to keep in the quiver (Psalm 127).

---

Part 3: 20 Actionable Tips for Application

At Work & Career

1. The “Switch” Ritual: Before entering your home after work, sit in the car for 2 minutes. Pray to release work stress so you can be fully present for your children.

2. Work-Life Boundary: Do not check work emails during the bedtime routine. Your attention is the currency of love.

3. Family Photo: Keep a photo of your kids on your desk to remind you why you work (1 Tim 5:8), but don’t let work consume their time.

4. Integrity: Work with integrity so your children never have to be ashamed of how the family money is earned.

In Studies (School/University – For Student Parents or Students)

5. Study as Worship: Teach kids that learning is exploring God’s creation. Biology, Math, and History reveal His glory.

6. The “Daniel” Courage: Encourage kids to stand firm in their faith at school, like Daniel in Babylon, by having an “excellent spirit.”

7. Prayer for Teachers: Pray for your child’s teachers by name every morning on the drive to school.

Social Life & Relationships

8. No-Gossip Zone: Do not speak ill of your children to your friends (venting). Protect their dignity.

9. Hospitality: Use your home as a gathering place for your children’s friends. Be the “safe house.”

10. Model Friendship: Let your children see you being a good friend to others. They learn community by watching you.

Family & Home Habits

11. The Blessing: Establish a ritual (like Shabbat) where you lay hands on your children and bless them (Numbers 6:24) once a week.

12. The 5:1 Ratio: For every correction, ensure there are 5 affirmations. Build them up.

13. Screen-Free Dinner: The table is for eye contact and conversation. It is the altar of the family.

14. One-on-One Time: Schedule “dates” with each child individually. They need to know they are seen apart from their siblings.

15. Apologize: When you mess up, say “I’m sorry, will you forgive me?” to your child. It teaches them humility and the Gospel.

16. The “God Hunt”: At dinner, ask: “Where did you see God today?” (In nature, a kindness, a good grade).

17. Bedtime Liturgy: Don’t just say “night.” Pray over their sleep. “In peace I will lie down…” (Psalm 4:8).

18. Open Door Policy: Make sure they know they can tell you anything—even their sins—and you will help them, not just punish them.

19. Traditions: Create family traditions (Friday movie night, Tuesday tacos). Consistency builds security.

20. Serve Together: Volunteer as a family. It cures entitlement and teaches gratitude.

---

Part 4: Bonus – Life Improvement via the “Jesus Method”

How to upgrade your parenting by mimicking Christ.

• Presence (Incarnation): Jesus didn’t shout from heaven; He came down. Get on the floor with your kids. Play their games. Enter their world to win their hearts.

• Validation: Jesus listened to children when the disciples tried to shoo them away. Validate your child’s emotions (“I see you are sad”) before correcting their behavior.

• The Long Game: Jesus spent 3 years discipling 12 men, and they still messed up. Parenting is a marathon. Don’t panic over a bad day. Trust the seed.