What Does the Bible Say About Parent Advice?

Proverbs 22:6 ESV / 160 helpful votes

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.

Ephesians 6:4 ESV / 139 helpful votes

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Colossians 3:21 ESV / 133 helpful votes

Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.

Proverbs 13:24 ESV / 108 helpful votes

Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.

Proverbs 23:13-14 ESV / 104 helpful votes

Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you strike him with a rod, he will not die. If you strike him with the rod, you will save his soul from Sheol.

Proverbs 19:18 ESV / 102 helpful votes

Discipline your son, for there is hope; do not set your heart on putting him to death.

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 ESV / 96 helpful votes

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.

Psalm 127:3-5 ESV / 88 helpful votes

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.

Proverbs 29:17 ESV / 82 helpful votes

Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your heart.

Proverbs 1:8 ESV / 70 helpful votes

Hear, my son, your father's instruction, and forsake not your mother's teaching,

Proverbs 1:8-9 ESV / 61 helpful votes

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 31:26 ESV / 48 helpful votes

She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.

Proverbs 29:15 ESV / 48 helpful votes

The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.

Hebrews 12:7-11 ESV / 44 helpful votes

It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. 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.

Proverbs 4:1-4 ESV / 44 helpful votes

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 3:11-12 ESV / 44 helpful votes

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.

2 Timothy 3:14-15 ESV / 40 helpful votes

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it 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.

Exodus 20:12 ESV / 37 helpful votes

“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.

2 Timothy 1:5 ESV / 28 helpful votes

I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.

Proverbs 22:15 ESV / 24 helpful votes

Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him.

Proverbs 6:20-22 ESV / 24 helpful votes

My son, keep your father's commandment, and forsake not your mother's teaching. Bind them on your heart always; tie them around your neck. When you walk, they will lead you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; and when you awake, they will talk with you.

Proverbs 31:25-28 ESV / 20 helpful votes

Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:

Proverbs 13:1 ESV / 17 helpful votes

A wise son hears his father's instruction, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV / 16 helpful votes

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

Proverbs 15:5 ESV / 16 helpful votes

A fool despises his father's instruction, but whoever heeds reproof is prudent.

Proverbs 23:22 ESV / 13 helpful votes

Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.

Titus 2:4 ESV / 12 helpful votes

And so train the young women to love their husbands and children,

2 Timothy 3:15 ESV / 12 helpful votes

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.

1 Timothy 5:8 ESV / 12 helpful votes

But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

Proverbs 3:1-2 ESV / 12 helpful votes

My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you.

Psalm 78:4 ESV / 12 helpful votes

We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done.

Deuteronomy 6:6-9 ESV / 12 helpful votes

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. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

Deuteronomy 4:9 ESV / 12 helpful votes

“Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children's children—

3 John 1:4 ESV / 8 helpful votes

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

1 Timothy 3:4 ESV / 8 helpful votes

He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive,

Proverbs 20:7 ESV / 8 helpful votes

The righteous who walks in his integrity— blessed are his children after him!

Proverbs 6:20 ESV / 8 helpful votes

My son, keep your father's commandment, and forsake not your mother's teaching.

Proverbs 4:1-3 ESV / 8 helpful votes

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,

Psalm 78:4-7 ESV / 8 helpful votes

We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done. He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers to teach to their children, that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children, so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments;

James 3:17 ESV / 6 helpful votes

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.

John 3:16 ESV / 6 helpful votes

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Ephesians 6:1-3 ESV / 5 helpful votes

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.”

Hebrews 12:11 ESV / 4 helpful votes

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 12:9-11 ESV / 4 helpful votes

Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. 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.

2 Timothy 3:16 ESV / 4 helpful votes

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

2 Timothy 3:15-17 ESV / 4 helpful votes

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. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

2 Corinthians 12:14 ESV / 4 helpful votes

Here for the third time I am ready to come to you. And I will not be a burden, for I seek not what is yours but you. For children are not obligated to save up for their parents, but parents for their children.

Matthew 19:13-15 ESV / 4 helpful votes

Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people, but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” And he laid his hands on them and went away.

Matthew 18:10 ESV / 4 helpful votes

“See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.

Proverbs 23:22-25 ESV / 4 helpful votes

Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old. Buy truth, and do not sell it; buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding. The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice; he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him. Let your father and mother be glad; let her who bore you rejoice.

Proverbs 8:10 ESV / 4 helpful votes

Take my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold,

Proverbs 4:1-5 ESV / 4 helpful votes

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. Get wisdom; get insight; do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth.

Proverbs 3:12 ESV / 4 helpful votes

For the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.

Psalm 103:13 ESV / 4 helpful votes

As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.

Psalm 78:4-6 ESV / 4 helpful votes

We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done. He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers to teach to their children, that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children,

Deuteronomy 11:19 ESV / 4 helpful votes

You shall teach them to your children, talking of them when you are sitting in your house, and when you are walking by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.

Genesis 40:2 ESV / 3 helpful votes

And Pharaoh was angry with his two officers, the chief cupbearer and the chief baker,

57 Bible Verses about Parent Advice

Proverbs 22:6 ESV / 160 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Ephesians 6:4 ESV / 139 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Colossians 3:21 ESV / 133 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 13:24 ESV / 108 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 23:13-14 ESV / 104 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 19:18 ESV / 102 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 ESV / 96 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Psalm 127:3-5 ESV / 88 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 29:17 ESV / 82 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 1:8 ESV / 70 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 1:8-9 ESV / 61 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 31:26 ESV / 48 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 29:15 ESV / 48 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Hebrews 12:7-11 ESV / 44 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 4:1-4 ESV / 44 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 3:11-12 ESV / 44 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

2 Timothy 3:14-15 ESV / 40 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Exodus 20:12 ESV / 37 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

2 Timothy 1:5 ESV / 28 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 22:15 ESV / 24 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 6:20-22 ESV / 24 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 31:25-28 ESV / 20 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 13:1 ESV / 17 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV / 16 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 15:5 ESV / 16 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 23:22 ESV / 13 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Titus 2:4 ESV / 12 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

2 Timothy 3:15 ESV / 12 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Timothy 5:8 ESV / 12 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 3:1-2 ESV / 12 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Psalm 78:4 ESV / 12 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Deuteronomy 6:6-9 ESV / 12 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Deuteronomy 4:9 ESV / 12 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

3 John 1:4 ESV / 8 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Timothy 3:4 ESV / 8 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 20:7 ESV / 8 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 6:20 ESV / 8 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 4:1-3 ESV / 8 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Psalm 78:4-7 ESV / 8 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

James 3:17 ESV / 6 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

John 3:16 ESV / 6 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Ephesians 6:1-3 ESV / 5 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Hebrews 12:11 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Hebrews 12:9-11 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

2 Timothy 3:16 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

2 Timothy 3:15-17 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

2 Corinthians 12:14 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 19:13-15 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 18:10 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 23:22-25 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 8:10 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 4:1-5 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 3:12 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Psalm 103:13 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Psalm 78:4-6 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Deuteronomy 11:19 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Genesis 40:2 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Suggest a Verse

Enter a Verse Reference (e.g., John 3:16-17)