30 Encouraging Bible Verses About Parenting + Free Printable
Do you ever feel discouraged or worn down in parenting? God wants us to stay encouraged and uplifted, relying on His strength!
And that only happens when we are reading and rooted in His Word.
Check out these 30 Bible verses about parenting to encourage you in the good fight to raise godly kids in this world!
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What Does The Bible Say About Godly Parenting?
Before we look at some super encouraging (and maybe convicting) Bible verses about parenting, it’s good to know why we should even go to the Bible when it comes to bettering parenting skills!
How do we better any skill in life? We study it!
It’s no different with parenting – if we want to be better at parenting and loving our kids, we need to go to the source – God’s Word.
Although there are SO many great Christian parenting books (and I highly encourage all parents to read a few), nothing beats learning about how to parent our children than the ultimate book… the Bible!
After all, no matter what we are going through in our life or trying to grow in, it all stems from learning more about God and what HE wants for our lives.
Parenting especially is a big one that we need all the help we can get because it is TOUGH! Am I right? At least, for me is!
When you are having your quiet time with God during your morning routine, try and ask Him to help, because HE loves us and wants to – big time!!
It doesn’t matter what age your kids are, from little ones to older teens, God doesn’t leave us to our own devices. He gives us some great bible verses about parenting and examples in His Word!!
In fact, let’s take a little bit of a deeper dive into some good examples of parents from the Bible…
Examples of Good Parenting in the Bible
It’s easy to look at examples of bad parenting – maybe even you yourself didn’t have the best parents, and know what things you DON’T want to pass on or put on your children.
Pulling from those examples and learning what a parent shouldn’t do isn’t a bad thing.
BUT the best thing we can do is to look at some practical examples of good parents, especially from God’s Word. The Bible is filled with examples of good, godly parenting for us to look at and encourage us!
Here are just a few…
1. Hannah
She prayed for a child, something that I am sure many of us mothers or mothers to be have had experience with. She promises to dedicate him to the Lord if He blessed her with one.
Lo and behold, God answered her prayer and Hannah dedicated her son, Samuel, to Him! She knew that her son was a gift from God and honored that.
2. Mary & Joseph
God entrusted His son, Jesus, to these people, so you know they had to have been doing something sort of right!
Were they perfect? No! And we don’t have to be either.
But Mary was obedient to God even in the face of what seemed impossible (being impregnated by the Holy Spirit) and I am sure was not included in the “cool moms” circle, you know what I mean?
As for Joseph, he could have easily divorced Mary and not had to deal with all of that, but He obeyed God and took care of His family well! It might not have made sense, as do lots of things in parenting, but he trusted the Lord.
3. Abraham
Abraham definitely had his weak moments (over and over actually) but we know how the story ends right?
He was called a man of faith, and trusted God throughout His life.
Even when God asked him to do things that didn’t make sense – having a son from a barren wife, being asked to sacrifice his son when he did have one.
Lots of faith and a great father example!
4. God the Father
Obviously, the best example we have of an unconditionally loving parent figure is our God the Father!
He is the #1 example of showing us how we should parent our children, the same way He does us.
Ultimately He sacrificed His own son, knowing what the end result would be and the insurmountable love He has for His children!!
That leads us right into these amazing and encouraging bible verses about parenting and the responsibility that comes with that…
30 Encouraging Bible Verses About Parenting:
When reading these verses I would definitely encourage you to grab a study Bible, or concordance so you can read the context.
It’s so important to understand what we are reading in the Bible as it applies to what was going on then.
And then ask God to help it apply to us today, specifically reading these bible verses to help us with our parenting and the responsibilities that come with it!
**These verses are all taken from the NIV Bible translation.
1. Proverbs 22:6
“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”
This has been one of my MOST clung to verses – when I am fearful of my daughter and her future and praying that she will be saved one day, I am reminded of this verse.
It is such a beautiful promise of God to us as parents, that the things we are doing now to instill godly habits in our kids are not in vain!
Some godly habits we want to make sure we are teaching our kids are:
- Teaching our kids about kindness
- Showing them God in our everyday lives
- Helping our children to memorize Bible verses
- Teaching our kids how to pray
- and so much more!
2. Ephesians 6:4
“Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”
This is a super convicting verse for me personally, and I would think a lot of parents!
Parenting has a way of bringing out our own sin, doesn’t it?
Sometimes, we raise our voices, yell, or say things we shouldn’t have, and it “exasperates” our kids.
In those moments it’s so important to make sure we have been in the Word so we can respond with gentle, biblical responses and not out of anger – because we know that only makes things worse!
3. Ephesians 6:1-3
“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.”
This is encouraging for us as parents because God tells us that when we bring our children up in the Lord, and they choose to honor us, He will bless their future!
4. Psalm 24:1
“Of David. A psalm. The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it…”
This goes back to that fear of something happening to our kids, and us having that innate desire to protect them.
This is a GOOD thing! You should want to protect your children, especially when they are young because it’s our job to help guard their hearts.
But ultimately, every good and perfect gift is from above – our children belong to God, and He entrusted us with them. Our job is to raise them in His ways so they can follow His purpose and plan for their lives.
It really takes the pressure off a little, doesn’t it??
5. Proverbs 10:1
“The proverbs of Solomon: A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son brings grief to his mother.”
Teaching our children wisdom not only will help them one day, but brings joy to us as parents as well!
6. Genesis 2:24
“That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.”
We aren’t raising our children to keep them forever – we are raising them to send them out to be capable adults, and imitators of Christ in this world!
One day they will leave us and cleave to their future spouse if that is God’s will for them.
So enjoy those moments while you can and know you are raising them to one day send them out for God’s purposes!
7. Colossians 3:21
“Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.”
This is similar to Ephesians 6:4, in making sure that we aren’t putting our sin and bad attitudes on our children.
We should be their number one encouragers because this world will try to squeeze all the light out of them!
8. Galatians 6:2
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
Do you feel the burdens as parents? The well-being of our children, teaching them about God, and caring for them 24/7?
Our kids are 100% NOT burdens, but that doesn’t mean we don’t feel the weight of parenthood at times.
You and your spouse are a team and can help carry those burdens, ultimately placing them on Christ because His yoke is easy and light for us!!
9. Proverbs 13:22
“A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children, but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous.”
What are we doing right now, right at this moment to make an eternal impact on our children’s lives, and their children, and so on?
The things we do now not only leave a legacy here on Earth, but have an eternal impact that can last for generations to come!
I saw this fantastic quote on social media the other day, and it definitely encouraged me as to why we do what we do as parents, even when it doesn’t make sense to the world.
It talked about the four-generation fade, and what happens when we don’t keep “fighting the good fight” and readying our children for spiritual battle – 4 generations of not teaching our kids about Jesus leads to a generation who DO NOT know Him at all!!!
10. Hebrews 4:12
“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
When you start feeling like nothing you do matters or you’re discouraged in your instruction – remember this verse!
His Word is alive and active and can help not only lift us up but change our hearts and attitudes as well as our kids. It’s our responsibility to set the tone in the home!
11. Joshua 1:8
“Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”
Another fantastic promise of God!
When you are choosing to parent God’s way, meditating on His Word, and doing what’s in it, God will prosper you and help you succeed!
But remember, success by the world’s standards looks very different from God’s!
12. Psalm 119:105
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
When our minds and days feel dark, we can look to God’s Word to light our path and make the way clear – especially in parenting!
13. Romans 15:4
“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.”
What a beautiful verse!
God teaches us through His Word and also gives us hope! Something that is so amazing to cling to, when the days feel long.
14. Titus 2:7-8
“In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.”
This is a great reminder that we can teach and teach our kids all day long… but if we aren’t following through with action in our own lives, why would they listen?
Actions DO speak louder than words, and when our kids see us doing the things of God, they are more likely to follow that example.
Jesus sets the standard and example for ALL of us, but it’s our responsibility as parents to set that for our kids so they can visually see as they grow.
15. 1 Peter 5:2-3
“Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.”
Most of the time when we look at this verse, we think of pastors and being leaders over their flock, the church.
But as parents, we have our own flock to watch over that God has given to us – our family and children!!
Again, He talks about being examples to our children, and loving them not just because we have to but because we are WILLING to do God’s work, even when it’s hard!
16. Proverbs 11:29
“Whoever brings ruin on their family will inherit only wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise.”
The proverbs are great to read through each day with family (there are 31 for a reason!!) and this one is a great reminder.
We don’t want to bring ruin upon our family!
17. Genesis 18:19
“For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just, so that the LORD will bring about for Abraham what he has promised him.””
You have been CHOSEN by God to direct your children and run your home. He didn’t make a mistake and that is SO encouraging!
Help your family to keep the way of the Lord, by doing what is right, and strive for that type of faith that Abraham had!
18. Hebrews 12:7-8
“Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all.”
Discipline is never fun, but essential in parenting. There is a right way and wrong way to do this, and God shows us how in His Word.
Think about it, when you discipline your kids, isn’t the root reason because you love them?
When they tell a lie, say unkind words, or sin in some way, don’t you want to show them that God has a better plan, purpose, and way for them?
THAT is true love right there!
You aren’t necessarily mad at them, but FOR them because you know there is a better way for them!
We are God’s children and when He disciplines us as well, it’s because He loves us.
19. Joshua 24:15
“But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.””
This is another encouraging verse that reminds us of just how much our parenting and teaching impacts not just our children, but generations to come.
We want our great-great-great-great grandchildren to continue to say, “as for ME and MY house, WE will serve the Lord.” It starts with us!
20. Hebrews 12:11
“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”
This is another great verse about godly discipline.
It can be painful at the moment (figuratively) but we know we are helping to produce righteousness in our children, and training them in God’s way!
21. Philippians 4:6-7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
When we are feeling anxious in our lives and in parenting, remember that we can bring our requests to Him with thanksgiving, and He will give us HIS peace.
The only peace we truly need!
22. Proverbs 3:1-3
“My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity. Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.”
This verse is beautiful and SO encouraging!!
Not only in our own spiritual lives, but further encouraging that the work we are doing every day in ministering to our kids is NOT in vain.
God will bless that, and comfort us when we worry about our children! He will give us peace and we can trust Him with our children.
23. Proverbs 15:20
“A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother.”
This is another great proverb about the effects of our parenting, and a great verse about parenting responsibilities.
24. 2 Corinthians 5:7
“For we live by faith, not by sight.”
This is a good reminder that we sometimes can’t always see the fruits of our work here, but rather we live by faith and not by what we can see.
Something that doesn’t necessarily make sense in this world, but helps us let go of that control and truly trust in the Lord.
25. Psalm 73:26
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
Sometimes we can start to feel so worn down in parenting, and that comes from running off of our own strength.
God gives us some encouraging Bible verses when we feel exhausted, and reminds us that HE is our strength and our portion forever.
26. Luke 6:31
“Do to others as you would have them do to you.”
Sometimes as parents we can focus on making sure we are getting respect, but we have to show our children respect as well!
Yes it’s true when they are young they aren’t able to control their emotions, and that’s why we offer grace to them, but also teach them about what God says about sin.
But if you are speaking to your children in a disrespectful way (yelling, belittling, etc.) then you can’t expect them to speak differently to you!
27. Psalm 118:6
“The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”
In the age of everyone thinking they have the right way to parent, we have to stand firm and do what God wants us to do, not the world!
It may not make sense to others why we do things the way we do, but we don’t answer to those people or fear them… we answer to the living God!
Schooling choices, what TV shows, music we listen to, toys we play with, playdates… those are just some of the things that we may choose to do differently!
28. Colossians 3:13
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
Showing our children how to forgive others and not hold on to offenses is so powerful.
It’s also a beautiful thing to be willing to say sorry to our kids when WE mess up, because we aren’t perfect. And they need to know that!
Just because we are adults and they are children, doesn’t mean we don’t have to ask for forgiveness from them.
29. Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Sometimes we forget that our kids’ spirits can deflate with just a look, word, or tone.
This verse is a beautiful reminder to be kind and compassionate to our children, showing them grace and forgiveness (and asking for it when needed) just as God does for us.
30. James 1:17
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
Ultimately, our children are gifts from God. When we view them that way it definitely helps fill us with more joy, even in the tough moments!
God is faithful and will help us through!!
Free Printable Bible Verses About Parenting
Whew! You made it through! I hope you are feeling more encouraged with these important bible verses about parenting.
I wanted to make a printable for you of these verses!!
You can download them below, print, laminate, and hang them up in your home as a reminder to keep doing what God has called you to do.
Simply click the link below or the picture – no sign-up required. 🙂
Download Your Free Printable Parenting Bible Verses HERE.
Do you want access to MORE awesome, biblical, FREE printables like this one? Get exclusive access to my free printables resource library here!!!
You can hang these up on your fridge, your bathroom mirror, bedroom vanity, anywhere to help encourage and remind you of God’s Word throughout the day!
Bible Verses To Encourage Parents In Raising Godly Kids!
Although parenting can be one of the hardest things we go through in life, God doesn’t just leave us there.
He provides a beautiful way to keep us going, encourage us, and help us see the beauty in each stage with these amazing and encouraging Bible verses about parenting!
**Make sure you check out these Christian parenting books – no matter what age your child is, you can find some great biblical advice from these books to help!
