What does the Bible say about how to raise children?

The Bible gives parents a simple, durable pattern. Teach faith in the flow of ordinary life, at home, on the road, at bedtime (Deuteronomy 6:7). Train a child early in the right direction (Proverbs 22:6). Correct with consistency but without harshness, since fathers are specifically warned not to exasperate their kids (Ephesians 6:4). Love, instruction, and patience together, repeated daily, is the biblical formula.

Which Bible verse is best for a baby card or dedication?

Psalms 127:3 is the classic choice, since it calls children a gift straight from God. Psalms 139:14 works beautifully for a newborn because it celebrates how wonderfully each child is made. For a dedication or baptism, 1 Samuel 1:27 is especially moving, spoken by a mother giving thanks to God for the child she prayed for.

Does the Bible say children have to obey their parents?

Yes, obedience to parents is a repeated command (Ephesians 6:1, Colossians 3:20). But Scripture balances it immediately. Parents are told not to provoke or discourage their children (Ephesians 6:4, Colossians 3:21). The Bible pictures family life as mutual responsibility rather than one-way authority, with both children and parents answering to God for how they treat each other.

Bible Verses About Children

A random verse drawn from 25 passages chosen for this topic.

Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.

Psalms 127:3KJV

TranslationFrom

Drawing from 25 verses

Scripture speaks about children with remarkable tenderness. The Bible calls them a gift and a reward, never a burden or an afterthought.

Jesus made this personal. When his disciples tried to keep kids away from him, he welcomed them instead and pointed to children as a picture of how anyone enters the kingdom.

The verses in this collection fall into a few natural groups. Some celebrate children as a blessing. Some guide parents in raising, teaching, and correcting their kids. Others speak to children about honoring their father and mother.

People reach for these verses at very specific moments. A baby is on the way. A dedication or baptism is coming up. A grandparent wants the right line for a birthday card, or a Sunday school teacher needs an opening verse for a lesson.

They also help on the hard days. When a child is sick, struggling at school, or drifting from faith, a short verse can steady a worried parent better than any pep talk.

The tool above pulls a random verse about children from this set. If the one that appears does not fit your moment, click again. Every verse here was chosen because it speaks directly to children, parenting, or family life.

A few practical ways to use them. Write one inside a baby shower card or the front of a first Bible. Tape one to the mirror during a rough parenting season. Pray one over your kids at bedtime with their names in it. Memorize one together as a family at the dinner table.

One honest note. The Bible's family instructions cut both ways. Children are told to obey their parents, but fathers are also warned not to provoke or embitter their kids. Scripture treats children as whole people made in God's image, worthy of care, patience, and delight.

Maybe you are preparing a lesson. Maybe you are expecting a little one, or praying for a grown child far from home. Either way, these verses are a good place to sit for a while.

All 25 verses about children, in the King James Version

Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.
Psalms 127:3
As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.
Psalms 127:4
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
Proverbs 22:6
But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 19:14
But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
Mark 10:14
But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
Luke 18:16
And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 18:3
Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.
Matthew 18:10
Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
Ephesians 6:1
And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
Ephesians 6:4
Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.
Colossians 3:20
Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.
Colossians 3:21
And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
Deuteronomy 6:7
And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
Deuteronomy 11:19
And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children.
Isaiah 54:13
Children’s children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.
Proverbs 17:6
Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.
Proverbs 29:17
I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
Psalms 139:14
Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him.
Psalms 103:13
Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.
Psalms 8:2
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
3 John 1:4
And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 3:15
For this child I prayed; and the Lord hath given me my petition which I asked of him:
1 Samuel 1:27
And he lifted up his eyes, and saw the women and the children; and said, Who are those with thee? And he said, The children which God hath graciously given thy servant.
Genesis 33:5
Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me.
Mark 9:37

Frequently asked questions

What does the Bible say about how to raise children?: The Bible gives parents a simple, durable pattern. Teach faith in the flow of ordinary life, at home, on the road, at bedtime (Deuteronomy 6:7). Train a child early in the right direction (Proverbs 22:6). Correct with consistency but without harshness, since fathers are specifically warned not to exasperate their kids (Ephesians 6:4). Love, instruction, and patience together, repeated daily, is the biblical formula.
Which Bible verse is best for a baby card or dedication?: Psalms 127:3 is the classic choice, since it calls children a gift straight from God. Psalms 139:14 works beautifully for a newborn because it celebrates how wonderfully each child is made. For a dedication or baptism, 1 Samuel 1:27 is especially moving, spoken by a mother giving thanks to God for the child she prayed for.
Does the Bible say children have to obey their parents?: Yes, obedience to parents is a repeated command (Ephesians 6:1, Colossians 3:20). But Scripture balances it immediately. Parents are told not to provoke or discourage their children (Ephesians 6:4, Colossians 3:21). The Bible pictures family life as mutual responsibility rather than one-way authority, with both children and parents answering to God for how they treat each other.