Many books and articles attempt to tell us, teach us and even try to persuade us how to parent. And it can be overwhelming if you happen into the parenting section at any of the giant bookstore chains.
Yet, one of the oldest and most read of all books in the world has been helping and guiding parents how to be good parents for centuries. That book is the Bible, the purveyor of great truths. You don't have to be a Christian to understand and adopt its teachings.
Here are 17 bible verses from the King James Version that teach you how to parent right:
Deuteronomy 11:19
"And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up."
In essence, good parents teach their children in a lot of different ways. Teaching happens everywhere; so, be prepared to teach. (Also see Deuteronomy 6:7.)
Psalms 34:13-14
"Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile./Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it."
Teaching children about good speech and how to speak without antagonizing everyone is an art you should teach.
Psalm 127:3
"Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward."
Children are a blessing and a reward. When we treat them as "heritages" and help them understand who they are, the more we help them.
Proverbs 1:5
"A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels ... "
Listening and learning are two important skills parents can teach their children.
Proverbs 4:1, 5, 13
"Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding ... Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth ... Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life."
Learning coupled with the application of knowledge reaps wisdom.
Proverbs 13:24
"He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes."
Children need to learn there are consequences to their actions and sometimes need to be chastened. But that doesn't mean that children need to be beaten. Chastening can mean so many things other than corporeal punishment.
Proverbs 22:6
"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."
Parents need to begin teaching their children from a very early age.
Matthew 5-7
All of the Beatitudes teach children and adults alike how to behave. Simple things like not judging others, being peacemakers and not hating people are just a few of those things we can teach our children so they can see the world in a totally different light.
Matthew 18:10
"Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones ... "
Teaching children that we must love all little ones, no matter who they are or what color they might be, could eliminate a lot of hateful attitudes in this world. Children ultimately become adults and must be taught early.
Matthew 19:19
"Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself."
Teaching honor is imperative for a children's toolbox as they grow older. Teaching that we must honor both our father and our mother creates a lasting relationship.
John 13:34
"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another."
Love is the key to true success. When hate enters the picture, chaos reigns.
Ephesians 4:14
"That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive ... "
In today's society, it is good for parents to help children learn consistency and persistence so they don't fall prey to the craziness that abounds today.
Ephesians 4:32
"And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another ... "
What if all parents taught and practiced this one with their children? Our world would be more peaceful. Wars would be non-existent.
Ephesians 5:25
"Husbands, love your wives" and the corollary: Wives, love your husbands."
When we show our children how much we love each other, they will learn that love for themselves.
Colossians 3:8-9
"But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth./Lie not one to another."
Anger sucks the life out of families and individuals. Saying things we don't mean creates challenges in families and others. (Also see Ephesians 6:4 and Colossians 3:21.)
Philippines 4:8
"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."
We should teach our children to pursue truth.
1 Thessalonians 3:10, 13
"For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat./But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing."
Teaching children how to work effectively would generate generations of hard workers.
From Moses to the Psalmist to Solomon to Jesus Christ to the Apostle Paul, parents and children can learn much from their teachings. While the world whirls around ever-changing parenting philosophies about teaching children, parents can adhere to the age-honored teachings found in the Bible and create long-lasting relationships with their children.
