Topical Bible: Parents: Involved in Children's Wickedness

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The Bible provides numerous accounts and teachings regarding the role of parents in the spiritual and moral development of their children. While parents are called to nurture and guide their children in the ways of the Lord, there are instances where parents become complicit or involved in their children's wickedness, either through direct participation, passive allowance, or failure to correct.

Eli and His Sons (1 Samuel 2-4): One of the most notable examples is Eli, the high priest, and his sons, Hophni and Phinehas. Despite their positions, Eli's sons were corrupt, engaging in sinful acts such as taking the best portions of sacrifices for themselves and committing immorality with women serving at the entrance to the tent of meeting. Eli rebuked them but failed to take decisive action to stop their behavior. As a result, God pronounced judgment on Eli's household, stating, "I will judge his house forever for the iniquity he knows about, because his sons have blasphemed God, and he has not restrained them" (1 Samuel 3:13).

Ahab and Jezebel (1 Kings 21): King Ahab and Queen Jezebel of Israel are another example of parental involvement in wickedness. Their son, Ahaziah, followed in their footsteps, continuing the idolatry and evil practices they had established. Ahab and Jezebel's actions, including the murder of Naboth to seize his vineyard, set a precedent of unrighteousness that influenced their children. The Bible records that Ahaziah "did evil in the sight of the LORD and walked in the way of his father and mother" (1 Kings 22:52).

Manasseh and Amon (2 Kings 21): King Manasseh of Judah, known for his idolatry and shedding of innocent blood, led the nation into sin. His son, Amon, followed his father's example, continuing the idolatrous practices. The Bible notes, "He walked in all the ways of his father, and he served the idols his father had served and worshiped them" (2 Kings 21:21). This generational sin highlights the impact of parental influence on children.

Herodias and Herod Antipas (Mark 6:17-28): In the New Testament, Herodias, the wife of Herod Antipas, played a role in the wickedness of her daughter, Salome. Herodias harbored a grudge against John the Baptist for condemning her marriage to Herod. When Salome danced before Herod and pleased him, Herodias seized the opportunity to have John executed by instructing her daughter to request his head. This account illustrates how parental influence can lead children into grievous sin.

Biblical Teachings on Parental Responsibility: Scripture emphasizes the responsibility of parents to train their children in righteousness. 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." Ephesians 6:4 advises, "Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." These verses underscore the importance of active and godly parenting to prevent children from engaging in wickedness.

Consequences of Parental Involvement in Wickedness: The Bible warns of the consequences when parents fail to guide their children in righteousness or become complicit in their sins. The generational impact of sin can lead to judgment and suffering, as seen in the examples of Eli, Ahab, and Manasseh. Parents are called to be vigilant, ensuring that their influence leads their children toward a life that honors God.

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1 Samuel 2:27-36
And there came a man of God to Eli, and said to him, Thus said the LORD, Did I plainly appear to the house of your father, when they were in Egypt in Pharaoh's house?
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1 Samuel 4:10-22
And the Philistines fought, and Israel was smitten, and they fled every man into his tent: and there was a very great slaughter; for there fell of Israel thirty thousand footmen.
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Library

The Home-Parlor.
... beyond the family,"these are all involved in the ... desperadoes, and ridicule the religion
of their parents? ... the choice of companions for your children in the ...
/.../philips/the christian home/chapter xxii the home-parlor.htm

Home-Education.
... The duty then of Christian parents to give their children a true ... science at a stand,
philosophy lame, letters dumb, and all things involved in Cimmerian ...
/.../philips/the christian home/chapter xvi home-education.htm

What have I Done?
... to a woman that she had no children"to have ... There are many consequences involved
in thy sin, and in ... Thy parents prayed for thee in thy youth; thy friends ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/what have i done.htm

Religion and Amusement.
... much to the increase of their children's attachment to ... And there is a principle involved
in this question ... The parents in whose family circle dancing in proper ...
/.../vincent/amusement a force in christian training/religion and amusement.htm

The Confessions of St. Augustin Index of Subjects
... becomes Augustin's pupil, and is involved in the ... Parents, make light of the childish
troubles of ... ambition for their children's progress often injudicious, [986 ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/the confessions of st augustin.htm

Homilies on the Gospel of John.
... Children, need spiritual instruction, [211]10; should receive right impressions,
[212]ib.; pass ... of the Father," [864]53; that of the Father involved in Christ's ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homilies on the gospel of.htm

Book vii. This is the Seventh Book of Our Treatise against the ...
... not the cause of that offspring's difference from its parents. ... the level of God which
was involved in this ... whether the source of their children's being remain ...
/.../hilary/the life and writings of st hilary of poitiers/book vii this is the.htm

Another Wonderful Record of 25.
... of religious privileges, and given to all manner of wickedness. ... went home, leaving
the last sacred moments to my parents. ... "I am a mother of seven children. ...
/.../various/the wonders of prayer/another wonderful record of 25 00.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1820 to the Beginning ...
... religious service. Soon the people, parents and children, were seen in
all directions repairing to the house of prayer. When they ...
/.../chapter 6 from the close.htm

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
... service of servants to their lords, and the service of children to their parents. ...
bent for the good of them that are involved in it. ... If his children forsake my ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a treatise of the fear.htm