The Bible, one of the most widely read books in the world, contains numerous references to children and their importance in society and faith. Throughout its pages, children are often portrayed as blessings, symbols of innocence, and examples of faith.
These passages cover a range of topics, from parenting advice to the spiritual significance of children. In this blog, I’ll explore various Biblical passages that discuss children and their place in the world.
Children are a blessing
The Bible often describes children as a gift from God. Psalm 127:3 says, “Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.” This view emphasizes the value and importance of children in families and society. It suggests that having children is a divine blessing and responsibility.
Train up a child
Proverbs 22:6 advises, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” This passage emphasizes the importance of early childhood education and moral guidance. It suggests that lessons learned in childhood have a lasting impact throughout life. The verse encourages parents to take an active role in shaping their children’s character and values.
Jesus welcomes children
In Matthew 19:14, Jesus says, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” This shows Jesus’ special care for children and their spiritual importance. It suggests that children have a natural openness to faith. The passage encourages adults to learn from children’s innocence and trust.
Honor your parents
The Fifth Commandment in Exodus 20:12 states, “Honor your father and your mother.” This instruction is directed at children, emphasizing respect for parents. It’s one of the Ten Commandments, showing its importance in Biblical teachings. The verse suggests that respecting parents leads to a good and long life.
Do not provoke your children
Ephesians 6:4 advises parents, “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” This passage warns against harsh parenting that might frustrate children. It encourages a balanced approach of discipline and loving instruction. The verse emphasizes the father’s role in spiritual education.
Children should obey parents
Colossians 3:20 says, “Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.” This instruction is given directly to children, emphasizing their duty to their parents. It connects obedience to parents with pleasing God. The verse suggests that family harmony is important in spiritual life.
Discipline is important
Proverbs 13:24 states, “Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.” This verse emphasizes the importance of discipline in child-rearing. It suggests that discipline is an act of love, not anger. The passage has been interpreted in various ways throughout history.
Children are examples of faith
In Matthew 18:3, Jesus says, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” This verse uses children as examples of the faith adults should have. It suggests that children’s trust and humility are spiritual qualities to emulate. The passage encourages adults to maintain childlike faith.
God knows children before birth
Jeremiah 1:5 says, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.” This verse suggests that God has a plan for each child even before birth. It emphasizes the value of human life from its earliest stages. The passage has been significant in discussions about the sanctity of life.
Children should be taught God’s word
Deuteronomy 11:19 instructs, “Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” This verse emphasizes the importance of teaching children about faith. It suggests that religious instruction should be a constant part of family life. The passage encourages parents to integrate spiritual teachings into daily activities.
Jesus was a child
The Bible includes stories of Jesus’ childhood, such as in Luke 2:52: “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” This shows that Jesus experienced childhood like other humans. It emphasizes the importance of growth in multiple areas – intellectual, physical, spiritual, and social. The verse provides a model for holistic child development.
Children can serve God
The story of Samuel in 1 Samuel 3 shows a young child serving in the temple and hearing God’s voice. This suggests that children can have important spiritual roles and experiences. It shows that God can speak to and through children. The story encourages taking children’s spiritual experiences seriously.
Orphans should be cared for
James 1:27 says, “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress.” This verse emphasizes the importance of caring for vulnerable children. It suggests that helping orphans is a key part of living out faith. The passage encourages practical action to support those in need.
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Children are to be protected
Matthew 18:6 warns, “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” This shows the seriousness with which Jesus viewed harm to children. It emphasizes the responsibility adults have to protect children’s well-being and faith. The verse uses strong language to stress the importance of this protection.
Children are a source of joy
Proverbs 23:24 says, “The father of a righteous child has great joy; a man who fathers a wise son rejoices in him.” This verse connects children’s good behavior with parental happiness. It suggests that raising children well brings satisfaction to parents. The passage emphasizes the emotional rewards of parenting.
Children should be taught generosity
In 2 Corinthians 9:7, it says, “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” While not specifically about children, this verse is often used to teach children about generosity. It emphasizes giving from the heart, not out of obligation. The passage encourages developing a positive attitude towards sharing and giving.
Children are capable of understanding spiritual truths
In Matthew 21:16, Jesus quotes Psalm 8:2, saying, “From the lips of children and infants, you, Lord, have called forth your praise.” This suggests that even young children can understand and express spiritual truths. It shows Jesus affirming the spiritual capacity of children. The verse challenges the idea that spiritual understanding is only for adults.
Children should be included in worship
Joshua 8:35 says, “There was not a word of all that Moses had commanded that Joshua did not read to the whole assembly of Israel, including the women and children.” This passage shows children being included in important religious gatherings. It suggests that children should be part of community worship and teaching. The verse emphasizes the importance of including all ages in spiritual practices.
God cares for the fatherless
Psalm 68:5 describes God as “A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.” This shows God’s special concern for children without fathers. It suggests that God takes on a parental role for vulnerable children. The verse emphasizes God’s care for those who might otherwise be neglected.
Children should be taught history
Psalm 78:4 says, “We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done.” This emphasizes the importance of passing on stories and history to children. It suggests that knowing about past events and God’s actions is important for faith. The verse encourages intergenerational sharing of knowledge and experiences.
Children can be wise
Proverbs 20:11 states, “Even small children are known by their actions, so is their conduct really pure and upright?” This suggests that children’s character can be seen in their behavior. It implies that wisdom and good conduct are not limited to adults. The verse encourages paying attention to and valuing children’s actions and choices.
Jesus healed children
The Gospels include several stories of Jesus healing children, such as in Mark 5:21-43. These stories show Jesus’ care and concern for children’s well-being. They emphasize that children were important in Jesus’ ministry. The stories suggest that children’s health and wholeness matter to God.
Children are entrusted to parents
Psalm 127:4 says, “Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth.” This verse uses a metaphor to describe children as valuable assets entrusted to parents. It suggests that parents have the responsibility to guide and direct their children. The passage emphasizes the potential impact children can have when properly guided.
Children should be taught to work
2 Thessalonians 3:10 says, “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.” While not specifically about children, this principle is often applied to teaching children the value of work. It emphasizes the importance of contributing to the community. The verse encourages instilling a strong work ethic from a young age.
Jesus was dedicated as a child
Luke 2:22-24 describes Jesus being presented at the temple as a baby. This shows the importance of religious ceremonies for children in Biblical times. It emphasizes the spiritual significance given to children from birth. The passage provides an example of parents following religious customs for their children.
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