Topical Bible: Parents: Their Duty to Their Children Is: Not to Provoke Them

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In the biblical context, the duty of parents towards their children encompasses a range of responsibilities, one of which is the admonition not to provoke their children. This principle is rooted in the desire to foster a nurturing and godly environment within the family unit, ensuring that children are raised in a manner that honors God and promotes their spiritual and emotional well-being.

The Apostle Paul addresses this duty explicitly in his epistles. In Ephesians 6:4 , he instructs, "Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." This verse highlights the balance parents must maintain between discipline and encouragement. The term "provoke" in this context refers to actions or attitudes that might incite anger or resentment in children, potentially leading them away from the faith and values their parents wish to instill.

Similarly, Colossians 3:21 echoes this sentiment: "Fathers, do not provoke your children, so they will not become discouraged." Here, the emphasis is on the emotional impact of parental behavior. Discouragement can lead to a lack of motivation and a diminished sense of self-worth, which can hinder a child's development and relationship with God.

The biblical mandate not to provoke children is grounded in the broader scriptural theme of love and respect within the family. Parents are called to emulate the love and patience of God, guiding their children with wisdom and understanding. This involves setting appropriate boundaries and expectations while also providing support and affirmation.

Proverbs 22:6 provides further insight into the parental role: "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." This proverb underscores the importance of a consistent and loving upbringing, which is more likely to yield lasting faith and character in children.

The duty not to provoke children also aligns with the biblical principle of treating others with kindness and respect, as seen in the broader teachings of Jesus. In Matthew 7:12 , Jesus states, "In everything, then, do to others as you would have them do to you." This Golden Rule applies within the family, encouraging parents to consider the impact of their actions and words on their children.

In summary, the biblical instruction for parents not to provoke their children is a call to cultivate a home environment characterized by love, discipline, and godly instruction. By adhering to this principle, parents can help ensure that their children grow up to be emotionally healthy and spiritually grounded individuals.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ephesians 6:4
And, you fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Colossians 3:21
Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Thoughts Upon Christian Education.
... to see it repaired, unless the great Duty of Catechising ... paideia signifies, that
Discipline which Parents ought to exercise over their Children, to prevent ...
/.../private thoughts upon a christian life/thoughts upon christian education.htm

Preface. To all that are Concerned in the Education of Children.
... off some temptations, or to incline to some duty, when a ... be a pleasant and proper
matter for their daily or ... the family at such time as the parents or governors ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/watts/divine and moral songs/preface to all that are.htm

Preface to all that are Concerned in the Education of Children.
... off some temptation, or to incline to some duty, when a ... be a pleasant and proper
matter for their daily or ... the family at such time as the parents or governors ...
/.../watts/divine songs for children/preface to all that are.htm

The Fifth Commandment
... Then let children put this great duty in practice; be living commentaries upon this ...
Honour and reverence your parents; not only obey their commands, but ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 5 the fifth commandment.htm

Home-Discipline.
... directed by the law of Christian duty and responsibility. ... The great fault of many
parents is that they begin too late to correct their children, and leave ...
/.../philips/the christian home/chapter xix home-discipline.htm

The Christian Training of Children.
... children of sinful men; there that their earliest longings ... parents alone, nor even
of the parents in conjunction ... in our minds convictions of duty which shall ...
/.../selected sermons of schleiermacher/viii the christian training of.htm

Prov. 22:06 the Duties of Parents
... Parents, I beseech you, for your children's sake, beware of over-indulgence. I call
on you to remember, it is your first duty to consult their real interests ...
/.../the upper room being a few truths for the times/chapter xvi prov 22 6 the.htm

The Christian Home
... strictly kept to the path in which their feet were ... The house and the city, where
His parents lived, showed ... needs to be strengthened, and the duty which needs ...
/.../sell/studies in the life of the christian/study x the christian home.htm

The Pure in Heart
... out of heaven upon the little children at their play; and ... far as you are good sons
to your parents, so far ... charity and generosity are not only a duty, but an ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/the good news of god/sermon xvi the pure in.htm

A String of Pearls
... It is your duty to say "No," though all the world ... need it, but all who would help
their fellows to ... And there would be more happy homes if parents and children ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/a string of pearls.htm