I. The most helpful thing parents can do for their kids is to have an exemplary walk with God.

A. Parents must tend to their own growth first and fulfil their responsibilities to God

Lk 2:27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the <parents> brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required,

Lk 2:41 Every year his <parents> went to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover.

Lk 2:48 When his <parents> saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, "Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you."

Gen 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."

Deut 4:9 Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your <children> and to their <children> after them. 10 Remember the day you stood before the Lord your God at Horeb, when he said to me, "Assemble the people before me to hear my words so that they may learn to revere me as long as they live in the land and may teach them to their <children>."

Deut 5:29 Oh, that their hearts would be inclined to fear me and keep all my commands always, so that it might go well with them and their <children> forever!

Deut 6:7 Impress (these laws) on your <children>. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

Deut 11:19 Teach them to your <children>, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

Deut 30:19 This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your <children> may live

Deut 32:46 he said to them, "Take to heart all the words I have solemnly declared to you this day, so that you may command your <children> to obey carefully all the words of this law.

Jos 4:6 to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your <children> ask you, 'What do these stones mean?'

Ps 37:25 I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their <children> begging bread.

Ps 37:26 They are always generous and lend freely; their <children> will be blessed.

Ps 78:4 We will not hide them from their <children>; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done.

B. God comes before the Children

Zec 13:3 And if anyone still prophesies, his father and mother, to whom he was born, will say to him, 'You must die, because you have told lies in the Lord's name.' When he prophesies, his own <parents> will stab him.

Lk 18:29 "I tell you the truth," Jesus said to them, "no one who has left home or wife or brothers or <parents> or children for the sake of the kingdom of God

Deut 21:18 If a man has a stubborn and rebellious son who does not obey his father and mother and will not listen to them when they <discipline> him,

II. Parents are charged by God with the task of training their children

Fathers are given the primary responsibility

Eph 6:4 Fathers, do not exasperate your <children>; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

Col 3:20 <Children>, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.

Col 3:21 Fathers, do not embitter your <children>, or they will become discouraged.

1Th 2:11 For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own <children>,

1Th 2:12 encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.

Pro 1:8 Listen, my <son>, to your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching.

Heb 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.

Ps 78:5 He decreed statutes for Jacob and established the law in Israel, which he commanded our forefathers to teach their <children>, 6 so the next generation would know them, even the <children> yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their <children>.

Pro 31:1 The sayings of King Lemuel--an oracle his <mother> taught him:

Eph 6:1 <Children>, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.

1Th 2:7 but we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little <children>.

III. Consequences of not teaching/training

Prov 10:1 The proverbs of Solomon: A wise son brings joy to his <father>, but a foolish son grief to his <mother>.

Prov 15:20 A wise son brings joy to his <father>, but a foolish man despises his <mother>.

Prov 17:21 To have a fool for a son brings grief; there is no joy for the <father> of a fool.

Prov 17:25 A foolish son brings grief to his <father> and bitterness to the one who bore him.

Prov 19:26 He who robs his <father> and drives out his <mother> is a son who brings shame and disgrace.

Prov 20:20 If a man curses his <father> or <mother>, his lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness.

Prov 29:15 The rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his <mother>.

Prov 23:24 The <father> of a righteous man has great joy; he who has a wise son delights in him.

Prov 23:25 May your <father> and <mother> be glad; may she who gave you birth rejoice!

Prov 28:7 He who keeps the law is a discerning son, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his <father>.

Prov 28:24 He who robs his <father> or <mother> and says, "It's not wrong"--he is partner to him who destroys.

Prov 29:3 A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his <father>, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.

Prov 30:11 "There are those who curse their <fathers> and do not bless their <mothers>;

Prov 19:26 He who robs his father and drives out his mother is a <son> who brings shame and disgrace.

Prov 10:1 The proverbs of Solomon: A wise <son> brings joy to his father, but a foolish <son> grief to his mother.

Prov 10:5 He who gathers crops in summer is a wise <son>, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful <son>.

Prov 13:1 A wise <son> heeds his father's instruction, but a mocker does not listen to rebuke.

Prov 15:20 A wise <son> brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother.

Prov 17:2 A wise servant will rule over a disgraceful <son>, and will share the inheritance as one of the brothers.

Prov 17:21 To have a fool for a <son> brings grief; there is no joy for the father of a fool.

Prov 17:25 A foolish <son> brings grief to his father and bitterness to the one who bore him.

Prov 19:13 A foolish <son> is his father's ruin, and a quarrelsome wife is like a constant dripping.

IV. The content of the teaching

Eph 6:1 Children, obey your <parents> in the Lord, for this is right.

Col 3:20 Children, obey your <parents> in everything, for this pleases the Lord.

Rom 1:10 My <son>, if sinners entice you, do not give in to them.

Prov 1:15 my <son>, do not go along with them, do not set foot on their paths;

Prov 2:1 My <son>, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you,

Prov 3:1 My <son>, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart,

Prov 3:11 My <son>, do not despise the Lord's discipline and do not resent his rebuke,

Prov 3:21 My <son>, preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight;

Prov 5:20 Why be captivated, my <son>, by an adulteress? Why embrace the bosom of another man's wife?

Prov 6:1 My <son>, if you have put up security for your neighbor, if you have struck hands in pledge for another,

Prov 6:3 then do this, my <son>, to free yourself, since you have fallen into your neighbor's hands: Go and humble yourself; press your plea with your neighbor!

Prov 6:20 My <son>, keep your father's commands and do not forsake your mother's teaching.

Prov 7:1 My <son>, keep my words and store up my commands within you.

Prov 7:24 Now then, my <sons>, listen to me; pay attention to what I say.

Prov 8:32 "Now then, my <sons>, listen to me; blessed are those who keep my ways.

Prov 19:27 Stop listening to instruction, my <son>, and you will stray from the words of knowledge.

Prov 23:15 My <son>, if your heart is wise, then my heart will be glad;

Prov 23:19 Listen, my <son>, and be wise, and keep your heart on the right path.

Prov 23:26 My <son>, give me your heart and let your eyes keep to my ways,

Prov 24:13 Eat honey, my <son>, for it is good; honey from the comb is sweet to your taste.

Prov 24:21 Fear the Lord and the king, my <son>, and do not join with the rebellious,

Prov 27:11 Be wise, my <son>, and bring joy to my heart; then I can answer anyone who treats me with contempt.

Prov 28:7 He who keeps the law is a discerning <son>, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.

V. The means of the teaching/training

Prov 29:15 The rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his <mother>.

Prov 13:24 He who spares the rod hates his <son>, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him.

Deut 6:7 Impress them on your <children>. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

VI. Fathers are given the primary responsibility to Discipline

Prov 3:12 because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a <father> the son he delights in.

Prov 13:24 He who spares the rod hates his <son>, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him.

Prov 19:18 Discipline your <son>, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to his death.

Prov 23:24 The father of a righteous man has great joy; he who has a wise <son> delights in him.

Prov 29:17 Discipline your <son>, and he will give you peace; he will bring delight to your soul.

HEB 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.

JOB 5:17 "Blessed is the man whom God corrects; so do not despise the <discipline> of the Almighty.

Ps 6:1 O Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger or <discipline> me in your wrath.

Ps 38:1 O Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger or <discipline> me in your wrath.

Ps 39:11 You rebuke and <discipline> men for their sin; you consume their wealth like a moth--each man is but a breath. Selah

Ps 94:12 Blessed is the man you <discipline>, O Lord, the man you teach from your law;

Prov 1:2 for attaining wisdom and <discipline>; for understanding words of insight;

Prov 1:7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and <discipline>.

Prov 3:11 My son, do not despise the Lord's <discipline> and do not resent his rebuke,

Prov 5:12 You will say, "How I hated <discipline>! How my heart spurned correction!

Prov 5:23 He will die for lack of <discipline>, led astray by his own great folly.

Prov 6:23 For these commands are a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the corrections of <discipline> are the way to life,

Prov 10:17 He who heeds <discipline> shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray.

Prov 12:1 Whoever loves <discipline> loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid.

Prov 13:18 He who ignores <discipline> comes to poverty and shame, but whoever heeds correction is honored.

Prov 13:24 He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to <discipline> him.

Prov 15:5 A fool spurns his father's <discipline>, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence.

Prov 15:10 Stern <discipline> awaits him who leaves the path; he who hates correction will die.

Prov 15:32 He who ignores <discipline> despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding.

Prov 19:18 <Discipline> your son, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to his death.

Prov 22:15 Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of <discipline> will drive it far from him.

Prov 23:13 Do not withhold <discipline> from a child; if you punish him with the rod, he will not die.

Prov 23:23 Buy the truth and do not sell it; get wisdom, <discipline> and understanding.

Prov 29:17 <Discipline> your son, and he will give you peace; he will bring delight to your soul.

HEB 12:5 And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: "My son, do not make light of the Lord's <discipline>, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,

HEB 12:7 Endure hardship as <discipline>; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?

HEB 12:8 If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes <discipline>), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons.

HEB 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.

REV 3:19 Those whom I love I rebuke and <discipline>. So be earnest, and repent.

VII. Things linked with disobedience

ROM 1:30 slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their <parents>;

2TI 3:2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their <parents>, ungrateful, unholy,

Prov 30:17 "The eye that mocks a <father>, that scorns obedience to a <mother>, will be pecked out by the ravens of the valley, will be eaten by the vultures.

VIII. Verses directed to children

Prov 23:22 Listen to your <father>, who gave you life, and do not despise your <mother> when she is old.

Prov 1:8 Listen, my <son>, to your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching.

Prov 4:1 Listen, my <sons>, to a father's instruction; pay attention and gain understanding.

Prov 4:10 Listen, my <son>, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many.

Prov 4:20 My <son>, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words.

Prov 5:1 My <son>, pay attention to my wisdom, listen well to my words of insight,

Prov 5:7 Now then, my <sons>, listen to me; do not turn aside from what I say.

IX. Other verses

2Co 12:14 Now I am ready to visit you for the third time, and I will not be a burden to you, because what I want is not your possessions but you. After all, children should not have to save up for their <parents>, but <parents> for their children.

1Ti 5:4 But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their <parents> and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God.

Ps 34:11 Come, my <children>, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.

Ps 103:13 As a father has compassion on his <children>, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;

Ps 127:3 Sons are a heritage from the Lord, <children> a reward from him.

Prov 17:6 Children's <children> are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their <children>.

Prov 31:28 Her <children> arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:

Hos 4:6 my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. "Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as my priests; because you have ignored the law of your God, I also will ignore your <children>.

Hos 9:16 Ephraim is blighted, their root is withered, they yield no fruit. Even if they bear <children>, I will slay their cherished offspring."

Mal 4:6 He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their <children>, and the hearts of the <children> to their fathers; or else I will come and strike the land with a curse."

Mt 7:11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your <children>, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! 1Ti 3:4 He must manage his own family well and see that his <children> obey him with proper respect.

1Ti 3:12 A deacon must be the husband of but one wife and must manage his <children> and his household well.

1Ti 5:4 But if a widow has <children> or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God.

1Ti 5:9 No widow may be put on the list of widows unless she is over sixty, has been faithful to her husband,

1Ti 5:10 and is well known for her good deeds, such as bringing up <children>, showing hospitality, washing the feet of the saints, helping those in trouble and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds.

1Ti 5:14 So I counsel younger widows to marry, to have <children>, to manage their homes and to give the enemy no opportunity for slander.

Titus 1:6 An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, a man whose <children> believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient.

TIT 2:4 Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and <children>,

Heb 12:8 If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate <children> and not true sons.

Prov 22:6 <Train> a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.