As we strive to fulfill our roles as parents, we recognize that our heavenly father is the ultimate example of perfect love, wisdom, and grace. The Word of God provides valuable insights and guidance for parents and helps parents to understand the biblical principles pertaining to their role. Several Bible verses highlight the importance of parents can inspire you as you care for your children.
For a Parent’s Love for a Child
Parents know their love for their children is far-reaching, but what are the qualities of that love? One of the most beautiful expressions of love ever written can be found in 1 Corinthians 13:4–8a.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.
These verses remind us that love is characterized by patience, kindness, and selflessness, which beautifully captures the essence of a parent’s love for their child. Even when parenting is difficult, these verses help parents remember that the core of love is humility, selflessness, trust, and hope.
On the Work of Parenting
As parents, our goal is to raise children who reflect God’s love and teachings, and several Scriptures provide guidance on how to do that.
Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6
This proverb encourages parents to nurture and instruct their children using principles from God’s Word, and provides them with the hope that those lessons will stay with them from childhood to old age.
“Training up a child” is not just teaching them right from wrong, it is giving them a thorough understanding of and love for God’s principles. It means teaching them to have a heart of compassion, to be humble, and to seek wisdom. It means guiding them in making decisions that align with God’s will and helping them develop a strong moral compass.
Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4
This verse instructs parents to avoid frustrating their children when teaching them about God and applying discipline with love and understanding. To live out this verse, parents need to be patient, understanding, and compassionate while leading by example to show their children what living a life that honors God looks like. Parents also need to intentionally create an environment where children feel safe to ask questions, express their thoughts and emotions, and grow in their faith.
On Parental Responsibility
As parents, we have a great responsibility to guide, protect, and provide for our children.
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. Deuteronomy 6:6-7
One responsibility of a parent is to continually teach our children about God’s commandments, making his teachings a part of every day, and living out those teachings in our own lives.
Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. Psalm 127:3
Children are a gift, and this verse from Psalms reminds us that our children are indeed a gift from God that we must meet our children with love, care, and a devotion to God’s principles.
For Honoring and Respecting Parents
The Bible places great emphasis on honoring and respecting our parents.
Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you. Exodus 20:12
This verse reinforces the importance of acknowledging and valuing the role our parents play in our lives, recognizing the wisdom and experience they possess.
“Honor your father and mother” — which is the first commandment with a promise — “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy a long life on the earth.” Ephesians 6:2–3
In this verse, Paul points out that the command to honor one’s parents comes with a blessing for a fulfilling and long life, which highlights the importance God places on this command.
For Leading by Example
Parents have a powerful influence on their children, not only through their words but also through their actions.
The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them. Proverbs 20:7
This verse highlights how the actions of parents can impact their children far into the future, leaving a righteous and blameless example for them to follow.
From Abraham, who showed unwavering trust in God, to Hannah, who fervently prayed for a child then dedicated him to the Lord, the Bible is filled with examples of faithful parents that serve as reminders of the transformative influence parents can have on their children.
Scripture for Every Member of the Family
Verses for Fathers & Fatherhood
Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. Proverbs 22:6
This verse highlights the important role of fathers in guiding their children spiritually and morally, laying a foundation that will influence them throughout their lives.
As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him. Psalm 103:13
This verse reflects the tender and compassionate nature of fatherhood, drawing a parallel to God’s loving care for His children, serving as a model for earthly fathers to emulate.
Verses for Mothers & Motherhood
She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Proverbs 31:26-27
This verse celebrates the wisdom, diligence, and nurturing care of a mother as she faithfully tends to her family.
As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem. Isaiah 66:13
This verse highlights the comforting and tender nature of mothers, drawing a parallel to God’s own comforting love, reflecting the deep bond between a mother and her child.
Verses About the Love for Sons & Daughters
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.” Proverbs 31:25
While this verse speaks to women in general, it reflects the love and pride a parent feels for a daughter, recognizing her strength, dignity, and ability to face the future with confidence and grace.
Then our sons in their youth will be like well-nurtured plants, and our daughters will be like pillars carved to adorn a palace. Psalm 144:12
This verse highlights the value and beauty of daughters, comparing them to strong and graceful pillars, emphasizing their importance and cherished role within a family.
What the Bible Teaches Us About Parenting
The Bible provides insight and wisdom about parenting, including stories and proverbs that emphasize the importance of nurturing, instructing, and loving our children as well as a parent’s role in shaping our children’s faith, character, and well-being.
By following the biblical principles of love, discipline, and instruction, parents can create an environment where children grow to love and serve the Lord and positively impact the world around them. With devotion to God’s Word, we can raise children who bring honor and glory to God’s name.
