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What Does the Bible Say About Children?

Scripture reveals that children are both a divine gift and a sacred responsibility, shaped most deeply through the faithful example and intentional teaching of those who love them.

Scripture on Children

Matthew 19:14 New Testament
"Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.'"
Proverbs 22:6 Old Testament
"Start children off on the way they should go; even when they are old they will not depart from it."
Ephesians 6:4 New Testament
"Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord."
Psalm 127:3-4 Old Testament
"Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one's youth."
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 Old Testament
"These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."
The Bottom Line
Your child is not primarily yours to control or mold into your vision—they're God's inheritance, entrusted to you to point toward Him.
Try Today

Have one unrushed conversation with a child today—yours, a niece, a neighbor's—where you simply listen and let them know they matter to you.

Prayer

Jesus invited children into His presence and rebuked those who would turn them away (Matthew 19:14), and He invites us into the same posture of humility and openness.

Father, thank You for the children You've placed in my life—whether my own or those I influence. Forgive me for the moments I've been impatient, dismissive, or more concerned with my agenda than with their hearts. Give me wisdom to lead them toward You, not away from You through my harshness or neglect. Help me see them as You do—as eternal souls, as treasures, as people worthy of my time and prayer. I surrender my desire to control them and ask instead for grace to guide them toward Jesus. In Jesus' name, Amen.

📚 Read Proverbs 1-31 for wisdom on raising children and the consequences of different parenting paths

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