Children’s behavior is a topic of significant concern and guidance for parents, caregivers, and educators. The Bible, as a source of timeless wisdom, provides valuable insights and principles to shape and nurture the character and conduct of children.
In this collection, we present 30 Bible verses accompanied by commentary, offering guidance and encouragement for those entrusted with the responsibility of guiding children in their behavior. May these verses inspire and equip caregivers with the wisdom found in God’s Word as they nurture the next generation.
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Proverbs 22:6 (NIV):
“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old, they will not turn from it.”
Encouraging parents to guide their children in the right path, recognizing the lasting impact of early teachings on their future choices.
Ephesians 6:1-3 (NIV):
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘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 long life on the earth.'”
A call for children to honor and obey their parents, with the promise of well-being and longevity as a result.
Proverbs 29:17 (NIV):
“Discipline your children, and they will give you peace; they will bring you the delights you desire.”
The positive outcomes of disciplined parenting, leading to peace and the fulfillment of parental hopes.
Colossians 3:20 (NIV):
“Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.”
Highlighting the spiritual significance of children’s obedience, emphasizing that it pleases the Lord.
Psalm 127:3 (NIV):
“Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.”
Recognizing children as a precious gift from God, deserving of love, care, and guidance.
Proverbs 13:24 (NIV):
“Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.”
A reminder of the responsibility to discipline with love, emphasizing its role in caring for children.
Matthew 18:3 (NIV):
“And he said: ‘Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.'”
Jesus’ teaching on the humility and faithfulness found in the hearts of children, urging adults to emulate these qualities.
Proverbs 20:11 (NIV):
“Even small children are known by their actions, so is their conduct really pure and upright?”
A reflection on the observable nature of children’s behavior, prompting consideration of the purity and uprightness in their conduct.
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (NIV):
“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.”
A directive for parents to embed God’s commandments in their hearts and actively teach them to their children in daily life.
1 Timothy 4:12 (NIV):
“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.”
Encouragement for young individuals to exemplify positive behavior in various aspects of life, becoming role models for others.
Psalm 34:11 (NIV):
“Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.”
An invitation for children to listen and learn about the fear (reverence) of the Lord, imparting foundational spiritual wisdom.
Proverbs 15:5 (NIV):
“A fool spurns a parent’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence.”
The contrasting outcomes of rejecting parental guidance versus the wisdom displayed in accepting correction.
Mark 10:14 (NIV):
“When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.'”
Jesus’ affirmation of the importance of children in the kingdom of God, emphasizing their innocence and faith.
Proverbs 1:8-9 (NIV):
“Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. They are a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck.”
Acknowledging the value of parental instruction as an adornment and source of grace for children.
3 John 1:4 (NIV):
“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”
The profound joy derived from knowing that one’s children are walking in the truth of God’s Word.
Psalm 34:14 (NIV):
“Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.”
An encouragement for children to choose goodness, seek peace, and actively pursue it in their interactions.
Proverbs 23:22 (NIV):
“Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.”
An exhortation to honor and listen to parents, recognizing the gift of life they have given.
Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV):
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law.”
The virtues produced by the Holy Spirit, serving as a guide for children’s behavior.
Proverbs 30:17 (NIV):
“The eye that mocks a father, that scorns an aged mother, will be pecked out by the ravens of the valley, will be eaten by the vultures.”
A vivid metaphor highlighting the serious consequences of disrespecting and mocking parents.
Matthew 5:9 (NIV):
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
Encouraging children to embrace the role of peacemakers, reflecting the character of God.
Proverbs 3:1-2 (NIV):
“My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity.”
The promise of a prolonged and prosperous life as a result of heeding parental teachings and commands.
James 1:19 (NIV):
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”
Practical advice for children on effective communication and managing emotions.
Proverbs 4:1 (NIV):
“Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding.”
An invitation for sons to actively listen and gain understanding through their father’s instruction.
1 Corinthians 14:20 (NIV):
“Brothers and sisters, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil, be infants, but in your thinking be adults.”
An encouragement for spiritual maturity and discernment in children’s thinking and behavior.
Proverbs 22:15 (NIV):
“Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far away.”
Acknowledging the innate tendencies in children and the role of discipline in guiding them away from folly.
Matthew 19:14 (NIV):
“Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.'”
Reiterating Jesus’ affirmation of the significance of children in the kingdom of heaven.
1 Corinthians 13:11 (NIV):
“When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.”
The acknowledgment of growth and maturation in thinking and behavior as individuals transition from childhood to adulthood.
Proverbs 15:20 (NIV):
“A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother.”
The contrast between the joy brought by a wise son and the disdain shown by a foolish individual toward his mother.
1 John 3:18 (NIV):
“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”
Encouragement for children to express love not only through words but also through sincere actions.
Colossians 3:20 (NIV):
“Children, always obey your parents, for this pleases the Lord.”
A reminder to children of the pleasing nature of obedience to parents in the eyes of the Lord.
Also Read: Bible Verses For Couples (With Commentary)