As Christians, the Bible offers us valuable guidance on the importance of safeguarding the youngest among us.
Join us as we explore some powerful verses that emphasize God’s call to protect and cherish children, reminding us of their value in His eyes and our responsibility to nurture their faith and well-being.
Bible Verses About Protecting Children
Matthew 19:14 – Jesus welcomes children with open arms
“Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” – Matthew 19:14
Proverbs 22:6 – Guiding children on the right path
“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” – Proverbs 22:6
Psalm 127:3 – Children are a blessing from the Lord
“Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.” – Psalm 127:3
Mark 10:16 – Jesus embraces and blesses children
“And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.” – Mark 10:16
Psalm 91:11 – Angels watch over children
“For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” – Psalm 91:11
Isaiah 54:13 – Peace multiplied among our children
“All your children will be taught by the Lord, and great will be their peace.” – Isaiah 54:13
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 – Instructing children in God’s commandments
“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children.” – Deuteronomy 6:6-7
Luke 18:16 – Protecting children’s rights to come to Jesus
“But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them…” – Luke 18:16
1 Timothy 1:5 – A pure heart for guiding children
“The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” – 1 Timothy 1:5
Psalms 146:9 – God watches over the vulnerable
“The LORD watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.” – Psalm 146:9
James 1:27 – True religion cares for orphans
“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress…” – James 1:27
Proverbs 29:15 – Discipline and guidance for children
“The rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left undisciplined disgraces its mother.” – Proverbs 29:15
Isaiah 49:15 – God’s everlasting compassion for children
“Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne?” – Isaiah 49:15
Matthew 18:10 – Protecting the innocence of children
“See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.” – Matthew 18:10
Proverbs 4:1 – Wisdom handed down through generations
“Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding.” – Proverbs 4:1
Ephesians 6:4 – Nurturing children in God’s ways
“Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” – Ephesians 6:4
Colossians 3:21 – Building children up with love
“Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.” – Colossians 3:21
Matthew 5:9 – Peacemakers shall be called children of God
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” – Matthew 5:9
Galatians 4:19 – Laboring for our children’s growth
“My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you…” – Galatians 4:19
Zechariah 2:8 – God cherishes His children
“For this is what the LORD Almighty says: “After the Glorious One has sent me against the nations that have plundered you, for whoever touches you touches the apple of his eye.” – Zechariah 2:8
Romans 8:16 – We are God’s children through the Spirit
“The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” – Romans 8:16
Malachi 2:15 – Safeguarding the family God desires
“Has not the one God made you? You belong to him in body and spirit. And what does the one God seek? Godly offspring.” – Malachi 2:15
Proverbs 1:8-9 – Wisdom handed down through loving guidance
“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.” – Proverbs 1:8-9
Philippians 4:13 – Strength for our children through faith
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:13
2 Timothy 3:15 – Knowing the sacred scriptures from childhood
“And how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” – 2 Timothy 3:15
Psalm 34:7 – The Lord’s protection surrounds His children
“The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.” – Psalm 34:7
1 John 3:1 – The love of the Father towards His children
“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!” – 1 John 3:1
Matthew 9:36 – Compassion for a lost generation of children
“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” – Matthew 9:36
1 Peter 5:7 – Casting cares upon God for our children
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7
Luke 2:52 – Growing in wisdom and stature
“And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” – Luke 2:52
Proverbs 13:24 – The importance of discipline in love
“Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.” – Proverbs 13:24
Also Read: 30 Important Bible Verses About Seasons Of Life
What Does the Bible Say About Protecting Children?
As members of our community, it is our duty to care for and protect children. In many ways, the Bible guides us in how we should treat them. While it does not list out specific verses for every situation, the overall message is clear and consistent: children hold a special place in the heart of God and deserve our utmost protection and care.
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus openly values children. He tells his followers that they must become like children to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. This teaches us about innocence and purity and reminds us that children are examples of how we should strive to live our lives. We see how deeply Jesus cares for the little ones when he says, “Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.” This tells us that, in protecting and caring for children, we are also honoring God.
The Psalms, a book filled with prayers and songs, also speak about God’s care for the vulnerable, including children. A well-known Psalm says, “Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.” This means that children are gifts that God has entrusted to us. They are not just our family members or neighbors; they are blessings that deserve the highest regard and care.
Another example comes from the Book of Proverbs, where we find advice on wisdom and daily living. Proverbs include practical guidance, such as directing us to “train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it.” This serves as a call to be mindful in how we raise and protect our young ones, ensuring they grow with strong values and morals.
In the Old Testament, several laws given to the Israelites focus on the protection and welfare of all, especially those who are most vulnerable. And we see in passages from Deuteronomy and Exodus various commands that emphasize justice and kindness towards those in need, including children.
As a community, it is critical that we carry out these teachings in our everyday lives. Protecting children doesn’t just mean keeping them safe from physical harm. It also means nurturing their emotional and spiritual well-being. We are called to create safe environments, where children are free to grow, learn, and thrive. This can be done by being active participants in their lives—whether as parents, teachers, or mentors.
In summary, the Bible challenges us to protect and cherish children. They are seen not only as innocent beings but also as fundamental to our understanding of faith and how we relate to God. By contributing to their safety and growth, we follow the path laid out in the scriptures and fulfill a significant part of our community responsibility.