Topical Bible: Parents: Their Duty to Their Children Is: To Provide for Them

◄ Parents: Their Duty to Their Children Is: To Provide for Them ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, the duty of parents to provide for their children is a fundamental principle that underscores the family structure as ordained by God. This responsibility encompasses not only the physical needs of children but also their spiritual and emotional well-being.

Provision of Physical Needs

The Bible clearly articulates the importance of parents providing for the physical needs of their children. In 1 Timothy 5:8 , it is stated, "If anyone does not provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." This verse underscores the gravity of the parental duty to ensure that children have the necessary sustenance, shelter, and care. The provision of these needs is seen as a reflection of one's faith and commitment to God's commandments.

Spiritual and Moral Guidance

Beyond physical provision, parents are charged with the spiritual upbringing of their children. 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." This verse highlights the responsibility of parents to guide their children in the ways of the Lord, instilling in them a strong moral and spiritual foundation. Ephesians 6:4 further advises, "Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." This emphasizes the nurturing role of parents in teaching their children about God's laws and love.

Emotional Support and Love

The duty to provide also extends to the emotional realm, where parents are called to love and support their children. Colossians 3:21 warns, "Fathers, do not provoke your children, so they will not become discouraged." This verse speaks to the importance of creating a loving and supportive environment where children can thrive emotionally. The parental role is to encourage and uplift, ensuring that children feel valued and secure.

Modeling Godly Behavior

Parents are also tasked with modeling godly behavior, serving as examples for their children to emulate. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 instructs, "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 emphasizes the continuous and active role of parents in demonstrating a life of faith and obedience to God.

In summary, the biblical duty of parents to provide for their children is comprehensive, encompassing physical, spiritual, and emotional aspects. This duty is integral to the Christian faith, reflecting a commitment to God's design for family and the nurturing of future generations in His ways.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 42:15
And in all the land were no women found so fair as the daughters of Job: and their father gave them inheritance among their brothers.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Corinthians 12:14
Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not your's but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Timothy 5:8
But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Whether the Children of Jews and Other Unbelievers Ought to be ...
... house'] of Israel." On the other hand, to provide the sacraments of salvation
for the children of unbelievers is the duty of their parents. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the children of jews.htm

The Children's Patrimony.
... advert to the principles upon which parents should proceed in the distribution of
their property to their children. ... This is both a right and a duty. ...
/.../philips/the christian home/chapter xxiv the childrens patrimony.htm

The Great Duty of Family Religion
... indeed, give any countenance to children and servants to disregard their parents
and masters according to the flesh, or represent their duty to them ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the great duty of family.htm

Whether Piety Provides Support for Our Parents?
... naturally parents are not the successors of their children, but children of their
parents. ... ii), "we offer homage and duty to all our kindred and to the well ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether piety provides support for.htm

Appendix (Referred to in Note 1)
... make for their parents, and not that which parents should make for their children."
See also ... infidel; for even the heathen acknowledged this to be a duty. ...
/.../groves/christian devotedness/appendix referred to in note.htm

Whether a Man Ought, Out of Charity, to Love his Children More ...
... Hence the duty of children to their parents consists chiefly in honor ... honor from
his children, and to the children to be provided by their parents with what ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether a man ought out.htm

Thoughts Upon Christian Education.
... to the Knowledge of God, and of their Duty to him ... And as they desire the good of
their Children, they must ... Person to teach them; which if the Parents neglect to ...
/.../private thoughts upon a christian life/thoughts upon christian education.htm

If Anyone Shall Forsake his Own Children and Shall not Nurture ...
... of this Synod here teach that it is the office and duty of parents to provide for
the bodily care of their children, and also, as far as in them lies, to mould ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/canon xv if anyone shall.htm

Thou Shalt Honor Thy Father and Thy Mother.
... Besides this, it is our duty before the world to be grateful for ... again the devil
rules in the world, so that the children forget their parents, as we ...
/.../luther/the large catechism/thou shalt honor thy father.htm

On the Education of Children
... how studiously do the generality of parents cherish this ... beside milk, the natural
food of children; but giving ... these as rewards for doing their duty, which is ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 95 on the education.htm