Proverbs 22:6 – The Importance of Training up a Child
“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”
1 Timothy 3:4 – The Characteristics of a Good Father
“He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect.”
Genesis 18:19 – The Role of a Father in Teaching Righteousness
“For I have chosen him, that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing righteousness and justice, so that the Lord may bring to Abraham what he has promised him.”
Proverbs 17:6 – The Blessing of Grandchildren
“Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.”
Proverbs 20:7 – A Righteous Man Leaving an Inheritance for his Children
“A righteous man who walks in his integrity—how blessed are his sons after him.”
Psalms 127:3 – Children Are a Heritage from the Lord
“Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him.”
Ephesians 6:4 – Nurturing and Training Children in the Ways of the Lord
“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”
Proverbs 23:24 – A Father Rejoicing in a Wise Son
“The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice; he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him.”
Proverbs 4:1-4 – Sons’ Responsibility to Listen and Receive Instruction
“Hear, O sons, a father’s instruction, and be attentive, that you may gain insight, for I give you good precepts; do not forsake my teaching. When I was a son with my father, tender, the only one in the sight of my mother, he taught me and said to me, ‘Let your heart hold fast my words; keep my commandments, and live.’”
Proverbs 10:1 – A Wise Son Brings Joy to His Father
“A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish son is a sorrow to his mother.”
Also Read: 30 Important Bible Verses About Homes
Proverbs 29:3 – A Son Who Loves Wisdom and Discipline Brings Honor to His Father
“Whoever loves wisdom makes his father rejoice, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.”
Proverbs 13:1 – A Wise Son Heeds His Father’s Instruction
“A wise son hears his father’s instruction, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.”
Proverbs 15:20 – A Wise Son Makes His Father Glad
“A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish man despises his mother.”
Proverbs 29:17 – The Importance of Disciplining Your Children
“Discipline your children, and they will give you peace; they will bring you the delights you desire.”
Proverbs 3:11-12 – The Lord Disciplines Those He Loves
“My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.”
Psalms 103:13 – The Father’s Compassion for His Children
“As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him.”
Proverbs 17:24 – A Foolish Son Brings Grief to His Parents
“A foolish son brings grief to his father and bitterness to the mother who bore him.”
Proverbs 13:24 – The Importance of Correcting and Disciplining Sons
“Whoever spares the rod hates his child, but the one who loves their child is careful to discipline them.”
Deuteronomy 6:7 – Teaching the Commandments to Your Children
“You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.”
Proverbs 1:8-9 – A Father’s Instruction and Mother’s Teaching
“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 28:7 – The Righteous Man Leaving an Inheritance for His Children’s Children
“The one who keeps the law is a son with understanding, but a companion of gluttons shames his father.”
Proverbs 19:18 – Discipline Your Son While There Is Hope
“Discipline your son, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to his death.”
Ephesians 6:1-3 – Children Obeying and Honoring Their Parents
“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.’”
Proverbs 1:4 – The Purpose of Proverbs
“For giving prudence to those who are simple, knowledge and discretion to the young.”
Proverbs 15:5 – The Foolish Son Rejecting His Father’s Discipline
“A fool despises his father’s instruction, but whoever heeds reproof is prudent.”
Proverbs 13:22 – Leaving an Inheritance for the Righteous Man’s Children
“A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children, but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous.”
Proverbs 6:20 – Keeping Your Father’s Commandments
“My son, keep your father’s commandment, and forsake not your mother’s teaching.”
Proverbs 14:26 – The Fear of the Lord Gives Confidence to Sons
“Whoever fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge.”
Proverbs 23:13-14 – Using the Rod to Discipline Your Son
“Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you punish them with the rod, they will not die. Punish them with the rod and save them from death.”
Proverbs 6:23 – Father’s Commandment and Mother’s Teaching
“For this command is a lamp, this teaching is a light, and correction and instruction are the way to life.”
Proverbs 23:15-16 – Rejoicing in a Wise Son
“My son, if your heart is wise, then my heart will be glad indeed; my inmost being will rejoice when your lips speak what is right.”
Proverbs 22:15 – Folly Is Bound Up in the Heart of a Child
“Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far away.”
Proverbs 13:20 – Walking with the Wise Sons
“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”
Exodus 20:12 – Honoring Your Father and Mother
“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.”
Luke 15:11-32 – The Parable of the Prodigal Son
(The Parable of the Prodigal Son is a powerful and lengthy example of a father’s love for his son and forgiveness upon his return.)
Proverbs 19:14 – The Gift of a Prudent Wife
“Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the Lord.”
Ephesians 6:2 – The First Commandment with a Promise
“‘Honor your father and mother’—which is the first commandment with a promise.”
Proverbs 15:1 – A Gentle Answer Turns Away Wrath
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
Psalms 128:6 – May You See Your Children’s Children
“May you live to see your children’s children—peace be on Israel.”
Proverbs 4:10 – A Father’s Teaching Leading to a Longer Life
“Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many.”
Proverbs 30:17 – Cursing One’s Father or Not Blessing One’s Mother
“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.”
Proverbs 13:18 – Poverty and Shame Await Those Who Neglect Discipline
“Whoever disregards discipline comes to poverty and shame, but whoever heeds correction is honored.”
Proverbs 23:24 – The Joy of a Father in a Wise Son
“The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice, and he who sires a wise son will be glad in him.”
Proverbs 17:21– The Folly of a Foolish Son
“To have a fool for a child brings grief; there is no joy for the parent of a godless fool.”
Proverbs 29:15 – A Son Left to Himself Brings Shame
“The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.”
What Does the Bible Say About Sons?
As we explore what the Bible says about sons, we can observe a variety of perspectives and teachings that provide us with a comprehensive understanding of their roles, responsibilities, and significance.
From the beginning, sons have held important places in Biblical narratives. For instance, in Genesis, we see the story of Isaac and Jacob, who are pivotal figures in the lineage and covenantal promises made by God. Their stories highlight how sons continue family legacies, inherit blessings, and often play crucial roles in fulfilling divine promises.
In Exodus, we come across the Commandments, emphasizing the respect and honor that sons should show to their parents. This is particularly evident in the Fifth Commandment, which implores us to honor our fathers and mothers. This respect is not solely a cultural expectation but one anchored in divine ordinance, establishing a framework for strong, respectful family relationships.
The Book of Proverbs offers profound wisdom on this subject. It speaks to the behavior and moral upbringing of sons, urging them to heed parental guidance and cultivate wisdom, understanding, and righteous living. It serves as a reminder that the upbringing of sons is a joint effort between parents and the sons themselves, emphasizing virtues such as discipline, humility, and integrity.
In the New Testament, the parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke illustrates the themes of repentance, forgiveness, and unconditional love. The father’s reaction to his returning son underscores the compassionate nature of God and offers a model for parental forgiveness and acceptance.
Moreover, the letters of Paul, especially Ephesians, address how fathers should not provoke their children to wrath but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord. This highlights the balance of discipline and love that fathers are encouraged to maintain, ensuring a nurturing environment for their sons.
Additionally, the concept of sonship in a spiritual sense is pivotal in the teachings of the New Testament. Through faith in Jesus Christ, we are all considered sons and daughters of God, heirs to His promises and partakers in His divine nature.
In essence, the Bible provides us with a rich and multifaceted understanding of sons. It encourages respect, understanding, discipline, and love in familial relationships and highlights the critical roles sons play within the family and broader spiritual community. By examining these Biblical teachings, we gain valuable insights into the divine principles that should guide our interactions and responsibilities regarding sons.