What does the Bible say about disciplining children?
Discipline is an act of love, not anger. Discover the Bible's wisdom for training children with grace and truth.
15 Bible studies address this question
What the Bible Says
These Bible studies explore Scripture passages that speak to this question. Each study will give you insight and practical application.
A Good Name and Training Children
Proverbs 22 emphasizes the value of reputation over riches, the importance of training children in wisdom, and the consequences of both diligence and laziness in life.
Marriage, Children, Riches, and Servant Leadership
Jesus teaches on marriage and divorce, blesses children, encounters a rich man who cannot give up his wealth, predicts His death a third time, and teaches that greatness in His Kingdom means being a s...
Children, Not Slaves
As heirs, we are no longer slaves but sons and daughters. Paul fears for the Galatians who are returning to slavery. The allegory of Sarah and Hagar shows we are children of the free woman.
Children of God
John marvels at the Father's love in calling us His children. This identity transforms conduct—God's children don't continue in sin. Love for brothers, shown in deed not just word, distinguishes God...
Justice, Discipline, and Vision
Proverbs 29 addresses leadership, child-rearing, anger, and the essential need for divine guidance, concluding Solomon's collected proverbs with wisdom for both rulers and ordinary people.
Greatness, Sin, and Forgiveness in the Kingdom
Jesus teaches that the greatest in the Kingdom are those who humble themselves like children. He warns severely against causing others to stumble, teaches about church discipline, and tells the Parabl...
Running the Race
Surrounded by witnesses, believers must run with perseverance, fixing eyes on Jesus. God disciplines His children for their good. The chapter contrasts Sinai's terror with Zion's grace and warns again...
The Birth of Jacob's Sons
Genesis 30 chronicles the intense rivalry between Rachel and Leah as they compete for Jacob's love through bearing children, resulting in the birth of most of Jacob's twelve sons and his growing wealt...
Unless the LORD Builds the House
Psalm 127 teaches that all human labor is futile without God's blessing—whether building houses, guarding cities, or raising children.
Blessed Is Everyone Who Fears the LORD
Psalm 128 paints a portrait of the blessed family: husband, wife, and children flourishing together in the fear of the LORD.
Marriage, Divorce, and the Rich Young Man
Jesus teaches on the permanence of marriage, blesses children, and encounters a rich young man who cannot give up his wealth. He promises rewards for those who leave everything to follow Him, while wa...
Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees
Jesus pronounces seven woes against the religious leaders, exposing their hypocrisy, pride, and spiritual blindness. He laments over Jerusalem, whose children He longed to gather like a hen gathers he...
Sending the Seventy-Two and the Good Samaritan
Jesus sends seventy-two disciples ahead of Him to prepare the way. He pronounces woes on unrepentant cities and rejoices that the Father reveals truth to little children. A lawyer's question leads to ...
Persistent Prayer and True Humility
Jesus teaches persistence in prayer through the parable of the persistent widow. The Pharisee and tax collector reveal that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Jesus welcomes children...
Walking in Light and Love
Paul calls believers to imitate God as beloved children, walking in love and light while avoiding the darkness of immorality, and gives instructions for Spirit-filled relationships.
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