In the biblical narrative, the role of parents is pivotal in shaping the moral and spiritual direction of their children. The Scriptures provide numerous examples and warnings about the consequences of wicked parents setting a bad example for their offspring. The influence of parents is profound, and when they deviate from God's commandments, it often leads their children astray.

Biblical Examples of Wicked Parents:

1. Ahab and Jezebel: King Ahab and Queen Jezebel of Israel are quintessential examples of wicked parents. Ahab "did more evil in the sight of the LORD than all who were before him" (1 Kings 16:30). Jezebel, his wife, was notorious for promoting idolatry and persecuting the prophets of God. Their son, Ahaziah, followed in their footsteps, doing "evil in the sight of the LORD and walked in the way of his father and mother" (1 Kings 22:52).

2. Manasseh: King Manasseh of Judah was another ruler who led his people, including his children, into sin. He "did evil in the sight of the LORD, according to the abominations of the nations" (2 Kings 21:2). His actions included idolatry and even sacrificing his own son, setting a grievous example for the nation and his descendants.

3. Eli: Although Eli, the priest, was not wicked in the traditional sense, his failure to restrain his sons, Hophni and Phinehas, led to their corruption. They "had no regard for the LORD" (1 Samuel 2:12), and Eli's lack of discipline contributed to their downfall and the eventual judgment on his household.

Consequences of Wicked Parental Influence:

The Bible underscores the generational impact of sin, where the iniquities of the parents can affect their children. Exodus 20:5 warns that God "visits the iniquity of the fathers on their children to the third and fourth generation of those who hate Me." This principle is not about unjust punishment but highlights the natural consequences of a sinful legacy.

Proverbs and Wisdom Literature:

The Book of Proverbs frequently addresses the influence of parents on their children. Proverbs 22:6 advises, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." Conversely, when parents lead by wicked example, they train their children in the path of unrighteousness, often resulting in a cycle of sin and rebellion.

New Testament Insights:

The New Testament also speaks to the responsibility of parents. Ephesians 6:4 instructs, "Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." This highlights the importance of nurturing children in a godly manner, contrasting with the destructive influence of wickedness.

The Call to Righteous Parenting:

Throughout Scripture, the call to righteous parenting is clear. Parents are to be examples of godliness, teaching their children to love and obey God. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 commands, "These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. And you shall teach them diligently to your children." The failure to do so, as seen in the examples of wicked parents, leads to spiritual and moral decay.

In summary, the Bible provides a sobering view of the impact of wicked parents on their children. The examples of Ahab, Jezebel, Manasseh, and Eli serve as warnings of the consequences of leading children away from God's path. Parents are called to be righteous leaders, guiding their children in the ways of the Lord to ensure a legacy of faithfulness and obedience.Ezekiel 20:18
But I said to their children in the wilderness, Walk you not in the statutes of your fathers, neither observe their judgments, nor defile yourselves with their idols:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Amos 2:4
Thus said the LORD; For three transgressions of Judah, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they have despised the law of the LORD, and have not kept his commandments, and their lies caused them to err, after the which their fathers have walked:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Example.
... causes the sun to rise and set, He works ... a whole posterity for the righteousness
of their parents. ... when a father and mother are wicked, their children grow up ...
/.../baring-gould/the village pulpit volume ii trinity to advent/lviii example.htm

Home-Example.
... they themselves not doing well, But set a light ... want of agreement in the example
of the parents. ... persons forming a matrimonial alliance with wicked and ungodly ...
//christianbookshelf.org/philips/the christian home/chapter xx home-example.htm

From the Fourth to the Seventh Commandment
... if our parents or superiors, being wicked, bid us ... girls who indulge in habits which
their parents forbid are ... with their hearts and minds corrupted set up vice ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 33 from the fourth.htm

Parental Duties Considered and Urged.
... "The wicked are estranged ... Every thing conspires to prejudice children in favor of
parents, and to ... Children generally follow it, where it is set before them. ...
/.../sermon xxii parental duties considered.htm

An Appeal to Children of Godly Parents
... they have fallen into the hands of a wicked woman, and ... man, or young woman, do not
kill the parents who gave ... know what kind of life you have set before yourself ...
/.../spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/an appeal to children of.htm

Sponsorship
... to try plans which are sinful, foul, and wicked, all in ... Father, therefore other people
besides his parents have an ... Lord Jesus Christ; and so he will set a bad ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/sermons for the times/sermon v sponsorship.htm

The Blessing of God on Filial Piety.
... He continued "to warn the wicked from his way, that ... We sometimes see godly parents,
who had labored before in ... their children, to fear him, and to set them the ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xxiii the blessing of.htm

The Sixth Commandment
... By saying to our first parents, Ye shall not die,' he ... I set before them pots full
of wine, and cups, and ... unto them, Drink ye wine;' so the wicked set pots of ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 6 the sixth commandment.htm

On Matrimony
... of Cain, and then they also became wicked; for, remember ... Sometimes, however, parents
are unreasonable in this matter ... interests at heart, and will set aside all ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 26 on matrimony.htm

The Great Duty of Family Religion
... where will such monstrous profane and wicked governors appear? ... them by these lively
oracles, than parents and masters ... And holy Joshua, when he set up the good ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the great duty of family.htm

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