Raising a child is a significant theme in the Bible, reflecting the importance of nurturing and guiding the next generation in the ways of the Lord. The Scriptures provide numerous insights and instructions on how parents are to fulfill this God-given responsibility.

Biblical Mandate and Parental Responsibility

The Bible emphasizes the role of parents in the spiritual and moral upbringing of their children. In Deuteronomy 6:6-7 , it is written, "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." This passage underscores the continuous and intentional effort required in teaching children about God's commandments.

Proverbs 22:6 further highlights the importance of early instruction: "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." This verse suggests that a strong foundation in the formative years can have a lasting impact on a child's life.

Discipline and Instruction

Discipline is an integral part of raising a child, as it is seen as a means of guiding them towards righteousness. Proverbs 13:24 states, "He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him diligently." This proverb indicates that loving discipline is necessary for a child's development.

Ephesians 6:4 provides a balanced approach: "Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." This verse advises parents to avoid harshness that leads to resentment, while still providing firm guidance rooted in biblical principles.

Role of the Family and Community

The family unit is portrayed as the primary context for raising children, with both parents playing vital roles. The Bible also acknowledges the broader community's role in supporting families. In the Old Testament, the Israelites were instructed to live in a way that would pass on their faith to future generations, as seen in Psalm 78:4 : "We will not hide them from their children, but will declare to the next generation the praises of the LORD and His might, and the wonders He has performed."

Prayer and Dependence on God

Raising a child is not solely dependent on human effort; it requires reliance on God's wisdom and strength. James 1:5 encourages parents to seek divine guidance: "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." Prayer is a vital component of parenting, as it invites God's presence and guidance into the process.

Jesus and Children

Jesus' attitude towards children is instructive for parents. In Mark 10:14 , Jesus says, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." Jesus' welcoming of children highlights their value and the importance of nurturing their spiritual lives.

Conclusion

The Bible provides a comprehensive framework for raising children, emphasizing the importance of teaching, discipline, family involvement, and reliance on God. By adhering to these biblical principles, parents can fulfill their role in guiding their children towards a life of faith and righteousness.Ephesians 6:4
And, you fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
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Proverbs 22:6
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
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Proverbs 13:24
He that spares his rod hates his son: but he that loves him chastens him betimes.
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Proverbs 29:15
The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself brings his mother to shame.
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Proverbs 29:17
Correct your son, and he shall give you rest; yes, he shall give delight to your soul.
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Proverbs 19:18
Chasten your son while there is hope, and let not your soul spare for his crying.
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The Raising of the Dead.
... a fisherman on the shore of the Galilean lake, where he as a child had spent ... wast
made the type of the universal mother with the dead son"the raising of him ...
/.../macdonald/miracles of our lord/viii the raising of the.htm

victor Apparently Gives the Creative Breath to Man Also.
... no more than that the prophet breathed and remained entire, where was the necessity
for your saying that of Elisha, when raising the dead child, which you ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 7 v victor apparently gives.htm

Synopsis. --Arbitrary Criticism of the Biblical Narratives of the ...
... Thus Oscar Holzmann, in his recent Leben Jesu, treats the raising of the widow's
son ... it was not a case of real but only of apparent death,""the child is not ...
/.../miracles and supernatural religion/iii synopsis arbitrary criticism of the.htm

The Healing of the Woman - Christ's Personal Appearance - the ...
... the maiden was really dead, and that the Gospel-writers regarded the raising of
the ... upon him when the messengers apprised him of his only child's death, seemed ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxvi the healing of.htm

Per??a to Bethany. Raising of Lazarus.
... which expresses natural affection such as a parent feels for a child. ... to that last
and greatest manifestation of resurrectional power"the raising of his own ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xciii peraea to bethany raising.htm

Christ to Jairus
... Not that there are not wide differences between the raising of this child, and that
future resurrection to which Christian hope looks forward, but that in this ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/christ to jairus.htm

Of the Raising of the Daughter of the Ruler of the Synagogue, and ...
... Chapter XXVIII."Of the Raising of the Daughter of the Ruler of the Synagogue ... For
he had so thoroughly despaired of his child's case, that not believing that ...
/.../augustine/the harmony of the gospels/chapter xxviii of the raising of.htm

The Raising of the Young Man of Nain - the Meeting of Life and ...
... pageantry there was nothing for the heart of the widow, bereft of her only child. ...
that not only one Gospel, but all, relate some story of raising the dead ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xx the raising of.htm

The Death and the Raising of Lazarus - the Question of Miracles ...
... but thanksgiving that the Father heard' Him, not as regarded the raising of Lazarus ...
legend has it, that before entering this world, the soul of a child has seen ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxi the death and.htm

2 Kings iv. 25, 26.
... had wrought a few Years before, tho' till that Time the like had not been known
in Israel, or on Earth; I mean, in raising from the Dead the Child of that ...
/.../submission to divine providence in the death of children/2 kings iv 25 26.htm

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

Raising Children ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean to train up a child in the way he should go? | GotQuestions.org

Raising: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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