“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” – Proverbs 22:6
Bible Verses About Disciplining Your Child
Proverbs 3:11-12 – Disciplining a child is a way to show them love just as God disciplines us.
“My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.” – Proverbs 3:11-12
Proverbs 13:24 – Correcting a child is a sign of love and good parenting.
“Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.” – Proverbs 13:24
Hebrews 12:11 – Discipline can be difficult in the moment, but it leads to growth and righteousness.
“For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” – Hebrews 12:11
Ephesians 6:4 – Parents must discipline with care and love, ensuring they raise respectful children.
“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” – Ephesians 6:4
Proverbs 19:18 – Discipline while there is still time, as it leads to better outcomes.
“Discipline your son, for there is hope; do not set your heart on putting him to death.” – Proverbs 19:18
Colossians 3:21 – Fathers are reminded to discipline in a way that does not become discouraging.
“Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.” – Colossians 3:21
Proverbs 29:15 – The right discipline leads to wisdom and understanding.
“The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.” – Proverbs 29:15
Proverbs 22:15 – The importance of addressing a child’s foolishness through proper guidance.
“Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him.” – Proverbs 22:15
1 Timothy 3:4-5 – Good leaders must manage their households well, including discipline.
“He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church?” – 1 Timothy 3:4-5
Proverbs 15:32 – Listening to instruction leads to wisdom, while disregarding it leads to folly.
“Whoever ignores instruction despises himself, but he who listens to reproof gains intelligence.” – Proverbs 15:32
Matthew 19:14 – Jesus emphasizes the value of children, suggesting a caring discipline is important.
“But Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.'” – Matthew 19:14
Proverbs 1:8-9 – Guidance from parents is like a crown for a child.
“Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, and forsake not your mother’s teaching, for they are a graceful garland for your head and pendants for your neck.” – Proverbs 1:8-9
2 Timothy 3:16 – All scripture is profitable for teaching, including discipline.
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” – 2 Timothy 3:16
Psalm 94:12 – The Lord blesses those whom He disciplines.
“Blessed is the man whom you discipline, O Lord, and whom you teach out of your law.” – Psalm 94:12
James 1:5 – Seeking wisdom in the process of parenting and discipline is vital.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him.” – James 1:5
Proverbs 10:17 – A way to life is honoring discipline.
“Whoever heeds instruction is on the path to life, but he who rejects reproof leads others astray.” – Proverbs 10:17
Proverbs 27:5 – Open rebuke is better than hidden love.
“Better is open rebuke than hidden love.” – Proverbs 27:5
Mark 12:30-31 – Love is to be central in all relationships, including parent-child.
“And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.” – Mark 12:30-31
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 – Love strives for patience and kindness in all acts of discipline.
“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.” – 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Psalm 119:105 – Guidance from God’s word aids in parenting and discipline.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” – Psalm 119:105
Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trusting in the Lord in parenting decisions helps guide actions.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
Luke 6:31 – Treat your children as you wish to be treated.
“And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.” – Luke 6:31
Romans 12:2 – Children should be taught to seek God’s will for their lives.
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” – Romans 12:2
Galatians 6:7 – The importance of accountability in discipline.
“Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.” – Galatians 6:7
Final Thoughts
Disciplining our children is an important responsibility, and the Bible offers wisdom and helps guide us in this role. It reminds us that discipline should always stem from love and consideration for our child’s future. We can reflect on these verses and think of different ways to approach discipline that can lead to growth and understanding in our homes. By grounding our actions in scriptural truths, we equip ourselves to raise children who are respectful and wise.
Let’s explore more about discipline, how to effectively show love through actions, or even look into obedience in the context of our parenting.