What Does the Bible Say About Children — Meaning Explained

Scripture consistently presents children as a gift from God. Psalm 127:3 declares, 'Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.' God commands parents to diligently teach their children about Him: 'Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it' (Proverbs 22:6). Deuteronomy 6:6-7 instructs parents to talk about God's commands 'when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.' Jesus had a special regard for children. When His disciples tried to turn them away, He rebuked them: 'Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God' (Mark 10:14). He used a child as an example of the humble faith required to enter God's Kingdom. Paul balanced this with practical instruction: 'Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right' while telling fathers, 'provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord' (Ephesians 6:1, 4).