“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” – Proverbs 22:6
Bible Verses About Bad Parents
Parenting Responsibilities
Proverbs 13:24
“Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.”
Ephesians 6:4
“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”
Colossians 3:21
“Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.”
Deuteronomy 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.”
Proverbs 29:17
“Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your heart.”
Proverbs 19:18
“Discipline your children while there is hope. Otherwise you will ruin their lives.”
Psalm 78:5-6
“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.”
1 Timothy 3:4
“He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive.”
Malachi 2:15
“Did he not make them one, with a portion of the Spirit in their union? And what was the one God seeking? Godly offspring. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and let none of you be faithless to the wife of your youth.”
Proverbs 10:1
“A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish son is a sorrow to his mother.”
The Impact of Neglect
Proverbs 23:13-14
“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.”
Lamentations 3:13-14
“He let loose the arrows of His quiver; He made me the target of His arrows. I am the laughingstock of all people, the object of their taunts all day long.”
Matthew 18:6
“But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.”
Proverbs 15:20
“A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish man despises his mother.”
1 Corinthians 15:33
“Do not be deceived: Bad company ruins good morals.”
Galatians 6:7
“Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.”
James 1:15
“Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.”
Proverbs 5:7-8
“And now, O sons, listen to me, and do not depart from the words of my mouth. Keep your way far from her, and do not go near the door of her house.”
Proverbs 22:15
“Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him.”
Proverbs 4:23
“Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.”
Consequences of Poor Parenting
2 Timothy 3:2-5
“For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.”
Proverbs 14:26
“In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge.”
Proverbs 17:21
“He who sires a fool gets himself sorrow, and the father of a fool has no joy.”
Psalm 127:3
“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.”
Proverbs 12:15
“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.”
Romans 1:30
“They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips.”
Proverbs 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.”
Isaiah 3:12
“My people—infants are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, your guides mislead you and have swallowed up the course of your paths.”
Proverbs 28:7
“The one who keeps the law is a son with understanding, but a companion of gluttons shames his father.”
Luke 6:40
“A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.”
God’s View on Parenting
Isaiah 49:15
“Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you.”
Matthew 7:9-11
“Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!”
Psalms 103:13
“As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.”
Matthew 18:10
“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.”
Job 1:5
“And when the days of the feast had run their course, Job would send and consecrate them, and he would rise early in the morning and offer burnt offerings according to the number of them all. For Job said, ‘It may be that my children have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts.’ Thus Job did continually.”
Colossians 3:20
“Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.”
Titus 2:4-5
“Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.”
Romans 5:8
“But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Psalms 144:12
“May our sons in their youth be like plants full grown, our daughters like corner columns cut for the structure of a palace.”
Hebrews 12:7
“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?”
Finding Healing and Restoration
Psalm 147:3
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
James 5:16
“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”
1 John 1:9
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Isaiah 61:3
“To grant to those who mourn in Zion—to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified.”
Psalms 30:5
“For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.”
Matthew 11:28-30
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Philippians 4:19
“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
Romans 15:13
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”
John 8:36
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”
Isaiah 40:31
“But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on the important role of parenting, we see how God’s word guides us in raising our children. Bad parenting can lead to negative consequences, but there is always hope for healing and restoration. We can learn from scripture that discipline and love are essential in guiding our children. If we strive to follow God’s teachings, we can break the cycle of bad parenting and nurture a new generation that loves and serves the Lord.
We have the ability to change and grow. Through prayer, guidance, and support, we can foster healthy family dynamics. Let’s aim to reflect God’s love in our roles as parents, turning hearts toward Him.
I encourage everyone to explore more topics on parenting and relationships, so we can grow together in our understanding of God’s plan for us. If you’re looking for more insights, check out our article on loving your children well or delve into the topic of wisdom in raising kids. Let’s continue to learn and support one another!