What Does the Bible Teach Us About Children?

I. THE BIBLE SAYS THAT CHILDREN ARE:

• A. A gift that comes from God (Gênesis 33:5). When Jacob met Esau, he referred to his children as "the children whom God has graciously given your servant." This highlights the understanding that children are a blessing and a gracious provision from the Lord.

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• B. Jehovah's inheritance (Salmos 127:3). "Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward." This verse emphasizes that children are a precious inheritance and a reward bestowed by God.

• C. Grandchildren are the crown of the elderly (Provérbios 17:6). "Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers." This verse speaks to the joy and honor that grandchildren bring to their grandparents.

II. THE RESPONSIBILITY OF PARENTS TOWARDS THEIR CHILDREN:

• A. Fathers (and parents in general) are responsible for the education of their children. God entrusts children to parents so that they may raise them according to His will and ways.

• B. We must diligently teach them the Word of God (Deuteronômio 6:6-7). "And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. 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." This emphasizes the continuous and intentional teaching of God's commands.

• C. We must teach them to fear God (Deuteronômio 31:12-13). "Assemble the people, men, women, and little ones, and the sojourner within your towns, that they may hear and learn to fear the Lord your God, and be careful to do all the words of this law, and that their children, who have not known it, may hear and learn to fear the Lord your God..." Instilling a reverent respect and awe for God is crucial.

• D. We must teach them the Scriptures from a very young age (2 Timóteo 3:15). "...and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus." Early exposure to the Bible is vital for their spiritual development.

• E. Instruct them on the path they should go (Provérbios 22:6). "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." This highlights the importance of guiding children in the principles of righteousness.

• F. You must discipline them when they are disobedient (Provérbios 13:24; 22:15; 23:13-14; 29:15-17; Hebreus 12:5-9). The Bible emphasizes the need for loving and consistent discipline to correct and guide children. These passages speak of the importance of the rod, driving out foolishness, and God's own discipline as a sign of love.

• G. You must not provoke or discourage your children (Efésios 6:4; Colossenses 3:21). Fathers (and parents) are warned against harshness that can lead to anger and discouragement in their children. They should raise them with patience and understanding.

• H. They (parents) must give a good example before them (2 Timóteo 1:5). Paul mentions the sincere faith of Timothy's grandmother Lois and mother Eunice as an example. Parents' lives should reflect the faith and values they teach.

• I. Fathers have a great responsibility for their children's children. The impact of a father's (and mother's) parenting extends to future generations. Regrettably, many parents do not fully embrace this responsibility and will be held accountable before God.

III. THE RESPONSIBILITY OF CHILDREN:

• A. Children also have responsibilities that they must fulfill. Otherwise, they would be in rebellion against God's order.

• B. To remember their Creator in the days of their youth (Eclesiastes 12:1). "Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near of which you will say, “I have no pleasure in them”..." This calls for early recognition and reverence for God.

• C. Obey God (Deuteronômio 30:2). While this verse speaks to Israel's obedience, the principle of obedience to God's commands applies to all, including children as they grow in understanding.

• D. Listen to the instructions of their parents (Provérbios 1:8-9). "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." Respecting and heeding parental guidance is emphasized.

• E. Respect their parents (Efésios 6:2; Hebreus 12:9). "Honor your father and mother (this is the first commandment with a promise)..." and "...we had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live?" Honor and respect are foundational to the parent-child relationship.

• F. Take care of their parents when they are in need (1 Timóteo 5:4). "But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God." This principle extends to the responsibility of children (and grandchildren) to care for aging parents.

• G. Do not follow the evil example of their parents. While children should honor their parents, they are ultimately responsible for their own choices and should not emulate sinful behavior.

IV. EVIL CHILDREN:

• A. Just as there are good children who obey their parents, there are also bad children who do not obey their parents.

• B. They belittle their parents (Provérbios 15:5, 20). "A fool despises his father's instruction, but whoever heeds reproof is prudent" and "A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish man despises his mother." Disrespect and contempt for parents are condemned.

• C. Curse their parents (Provérbios 30:11). "There is a generation that curses its father and does not bless its mother." This highlights extreme disrespect and rebellion.

• D. They bring shame to their parents (Provérbios 19:26). "He who does violence to his father and chases away his mother is a son who brings shame and disgrace." Disobedient children cause dishonor to their families.

• E. They are the pain of their fathers (Provérbios 19:13). "A foolish son is ruin to his father..." The sorrow and heartache caused by rebellious children are acknowledged.

• F. They make their mothers sad (Provérbios 17:25). "A foolish son is a grief to his father and bitterness to her who bore him." The emotional toll on parents is highlighted.

• G. Rebellious children will always be against their parents, and this can even escalate to violence. The ultimate consequence of extreme rebellion against parents is condemned, even to the point of parricide and matricide (1 Timóteo 1:9 speaks of those who strike their fathers and mothers as lawless and disobedient). They will give an account to God for this terrible sin.

What Does the Bible Teach Us About Children?

CONCLUSION:

• A. Fathers (and parents) have a profound responsibility before God in raising their children according to His Word and will. The task of nurturing, teaching, disciplining, and setting a godly example is a sacred trust. As believers , let us take this responsibility seriously, seeking God's wisdom and grace in raising the next generation.

What Does the Bible Teach Us About Children?