Raising Children in a Biblical Manner and Parenting Style
Biblical Foundations for Parenting
The Bible provides guidance on raising children in a biblical manner, emphasizing the importance of parental responsibility and the role of children in the family. According to Torrey's Topical Textbook, children are considered a gift from God [1]. The biblical account of child-rearing is rooted in the Old Testament, where parents are instructed to teach their children about God's laws and judgments (Deuteronomy 31:12-13; Psalm 78:4) [2].
The book of Proverbs offers wisdom on parenting, advising parents to "train up a child in the way he should go" (Proverbs 22:6) [5]. This involves instructing children in the ways of God, providing for their needs, and disciplining them judiciously (Ephesians 6:4; Proverbs 29:17) [1, 2]. The New Testament reinforces the importance of parental guidance, with the apostle Paul exhorting fathers not to provoke their children to anger, but to bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4) [6, 7].
Children, in turn, are expected to obey and honor their parents (Ephesians 6:1-3; Exodus 20:12) [1, 6]. The biblical ideal is for children to be taught to fear God, remember God's works, and attend to parental teaching (Psalm 78:4; Proverbs 1:8-9) [1]. The Psalmist describes the ideal child as one who is "like a plant full grown in their youth" (Psalm 144:12) [3].
The New Testament also emphasizes the importance of spiritual growth in children. The apostle Peter encourages believers to "crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation" (1 Peter 2:2) [4]. This highlights the need for parents to nurture their children's spiritual development.
Different Christian traditions interpret the biblical teachings on parenting in similar ways. For example, John Gill's commentary on Proverbs 22:6 emphasizes the importance of training children in the "way of the Lord" [5]. Similarly, Jamieson, Fausset & Brown's commentary on Ephesians 6:4 notes that parents should provide their children with "discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord" [6].
The biblical teachings on parenting emphasize the importance of a loving and nurturing relationship between parents and children. Parents are encouraged to be examples to their children, demonstrating love, care, and discipline. By following these biblical principles, parents can raise children who are well-adjusted, spiritually grounded, and equipped to navigate life's challenges.
The biblical model for parenting is not limited to individual families but has broader implications for the community of faith. As children grow in their faith, they become part of the larger body of Christ, contributing to the life and mission of the church.
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Children — Christ was an example to -- Lu 2:51; Joh 19:26,27. Are a gift from God -- Ge 33:5; Ps 127:3. Are capable of glorifying God -- Ps 8:2; 148:12,13; Mt 21:15,16. Should be Brought to Christ. -- Mr 10:13-16. Brought early to the house of God. -- 1Sa 1:24. Instructed in the ways of God. -- De 31:12,13; Pr 22:6. Judiciously trained. -- Pr 22:15; 29:17; Eph 6:4. Should Obey God. -- De 30:2. Fear God. -- Pr 24:21. Remember God. -- Ec 12:1. Attend to parental teaching. -- Pr 1:8,9. Honour parents. -- Ex 20:12; Heb 12:9. Fear parents. -- Le 19:3. Obey parents. -- Pr ”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Parents — Receive their children from God -- Ge 33:5; 1Sa 1:27; Ps 127:3. Their duty to their children is To love them. -- Tit 2:4. To bring them to Christ. -- Mt 19:13,14. To train them up for God. -- Pr 22:6; Eph 6:4. To instruct them in God's word. -- De 4:9; 11:19; Isa 38:19. To tell them of God's judgments. -- Joe 1:3. To tell them of the miraculous works of God. -- Ex 10:2; Ps 78:4. To command them to obey God. -- De 32:46; 1Ch 28:9. To bless them. -- Ge 48:15; Heb 11:20. To pity them. -- Ps 103:13. To provide for them. -- Job 42:15; 2Co 12:14; 1Ti 5:8. To rule”
- Psalms “Psalms 144:12 (LEB) — that our sons may be like plants, full grown in their youth, our daughters like corner pillars, carved in the style of a palace,”
- I Peter “I Peter 2:2 (BSB) — Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,”
- Proverbs (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Proverbs 22:6: Train up a child in the way he should go,.... As Abraham trained up his children, and those born in his house, in the way of the Lord, in the paths of justice and judgment; which are the ways in which they should go, and which will be to their profit and advantage; see Gen 14:14; and which is the duty of parents and masters in all ages, and under the present Gospel dispensation, even to bring such who are under their care in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, Eph 6:4; by praying with them and for them, by bringing them under the means of grace, the ministry of ”
- Ephesians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Ephesians 6:1: 6:1-4 The relationship between parents and children is to be a reflection of their devotion to the Lord. Christian children are to obey their parents, and Christian parents are to discipline their children gently (see Col 3:20-21).”
- Ephesians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Ephesians 6:4: 6:4 Fathers can often provoke their children to anger by being harsh or unjust (see Col 3:21). Parents should give their children the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord (or the discipline and instruction about the Lord) so that they will learn a way of living that is good and pleases God. Such discipline is not to be excessive, but loving and gentle, so that children are not turned from the Lord but are drawn to him (cp. Heb 12:5-11).”