24 Bible Verses About Teaching Children

Raising children is one of life’s greatest adventures, filled with moments of joy, challenge, and profound responsibility. As parents, guardians, or mentors, we often find ourselves wondering how best to guide the young hearts and minds entrusted to us. While there’s no one-size-fits-all manual for parenting, the Bible offers timeless wisdom and insights that can light the path.

Teaching children is about more than imparting knowledge; it’s about shaping character, instilling values, and nurturing a love for learning and growth. The Bible, with its rich tapestry of stories and teachings, provides a foundation for doing just that. It reminds us of the importance of patience, love, and leading by example.

In this article, we’ll explore 24 Bible verses that offer guidance and inspiration for teaching children. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or mentor, these verses can serve as a source of encouragement and direction as you embark on the rewarding journey of nurturing the next generation.

24 Bible Verses About Teaching Children

Verses About Discipline and Instruction
Verses About Teaching by Example
Verses About Wisdom and Understanding
Verses About Faith and Spiritual Growth
Verses About Love and Compassion

Discipline and instruction are vital in guiding children towards a path of righteousness and integrity. The Bible often emphasizes the importance of correcting and teaching young ones, much like a shepherd guiding their flock. This isn’t about harshness but about nurturing a child’s character and helping them understand the difference between right and wrong. The Proverbs are filled with wisdom on how discipline, when done with love, can lead to a fruitful and upright life.

Proverbs 22:6: “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”

Ephesians 6:4: “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”

Proverbs 13:24: “Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.”

Deuteronomy 6:6–7: “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. 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.”

Colossians 3:21: “Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.”

Children learn a great deal by observing the actions of those around them. Teaching by example is a powerful method, as it allows children to see faith in action. Jesus often demonstrated this through His interactions with others, showing kindness, patience, and humility. When adults live out their values and beliefs authentically, children are more likely to emulate those behaviors, understanding that actions often speak louder than words.

1 Timothy 4:12: “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”

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.”

Philippians 4:9: “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”

1 Peter 5:3: “Not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.”

Wisdom and understanding are treasures that can guide children throughout their lives. The Bible encourages the pursuit of wisdom, likening it to a precious jewel. Solomon, known for his wisdom, sought understanding above all else, and his story serves as a reminder of the value of seeking knowledge and discernment. Instilling a love for learning and a desire to understand the world through a biblical lens can equip children to make wise decisions.

Proverbs 4:5–7: “Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them. Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.”

James 1:5: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

Proverbs 2:6: “For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”

Proverbs 1:8–9: “Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. They are a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck.”

Psalm 119:130: “The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.”

Faith and spiritual growth are journeys that begin in childhood and continue throughout life. Encouraging children to explore their faith, ask questions, and seek a personal relationship with God can lay a strong foundation for their spiritual lives. The story of young Samuel, who heard God’s voice and responded with openness and willingness, illustrates the importance of nurturing a child’s spiritual curiosity and growth.

2 Timothy 3:14–15: “But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”

Psalm 78:4: “We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the wonders he has done.”

Deuteronomy 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.”

Isaiah 54:13: “All your children will be taught by the LORD, and great will be their peace.”

3 John 1:4: “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”

Love and compassion are at the heart of biblical teaching and are essential qualities to instill in children. Jesus’ life was a testament to love and compassion, as He reached out to the marginalized and showed kindness to all. Teaching children to love their neighbors and show empathy towards others can help them develop into caring and compassionate individuals, reflecting the love that God has for all creation.

1 Corinthians 13:4–7: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

Colossians 3:12–14: “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”

1 John 4:19: “We love because he first loved us.”

Galatians 5:22–23: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

Matthew 22:37–39: “Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”