1. God Gives Parents the Responsibility to Train Children
Training children is a sacred responsibility given by God to parents. Scripture speaks clearly about this calling.
Proverbs 22:6
“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”
Notice the phrase “train up a child.”
To train is to teach, not merely to raise. As my mother wisely said:
“You raise tomatoes. You teach or train a child.”
Raising Tomatoes vs. Teaching Children
- Tomatoes need: water, sunlight, dirt, fertilizer.
- Children need: love, mercy, discipline, food, clothing, shelter, guidance, and much more.
Tomatoes cannot walk, talk, or learn—but children can, and therefore they must be taught.
2. God Is Not Silent About Parenting
God gives clear instruction about:
- Why children must be taught
- What they must be taught
- How they must be disciplined
He also promises wisdom to parents who ask Him. He is the only perfect Father.
3. Biblical Discipline: Correction, Not Abuse
Many today reject one of the Bible’s primary forms of discipline—corporal punishment—yet Scripture speaks of it repeatedly.
Proverbs 13:24
“He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.”
This verse does not give permission to beat a child. It teaches:
- Discipline is an act of love
- Correction protects a child from harm
- Obedience must be required
Practical Example
If you love a toddler, you will not let him touch a hot stove.
Likewise, you will not allow:
- Late‑night phone calls
- Harmful friendships
- Disrespectful behavior
Methods of discipline may include:
- Talking
- Grounding
- Spanking
If a child says, “I hate you,” a loving parent can calmly respond, “I love you.”
4. Discipline Must Be Balanced With Compassion
Parents have authority to discipline, but God also warns:
Colossians 3:21
“Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.”
This means:
- Do not demand perfection
- Do not crush their spirit
- Remember they are human and still learning
5. Parents, Not Schools, Are Commanded to Teach
God never gave the command to teach children to:
- Schools
- Governments
- Teachers
He gave it to parents.
Some claim parents are only responsible for 20% of teaching and teachers for 80%. Scripture does not support this.
Why Parents Carry the Primary Role
Children learn major life skills before school:
- Walking
- Talking
- Playing
- Basic manners
Parents must also ensure their children receive a good education in:
- Reading
- Math
- Science
- History
- Language arts
Teachers may explain math better, but parents must:
- Enforce bedtime
- Ensure homework is done
- Require listening in class
- Provide materials
- Build respect for authority
Children behave better at school when obedience is required at home.
6. Children Learn by Watching Their Parents
A child never says anything he or she did not hear somewhere.
Therefore:
- If you want respectful children, model respect.
- If you want children to know Jesus, talk about Jesus.
- If you want children to obey God, teach them His commandments.
A wonderful place to start is Proverbs 3, which begins:
Proverbs 3:1
“My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments.”
7. Why Training Children Matters for the Future
Children are the next generation of adults.
A 5‑year‑old today will be 21 in sixteen years.
He or she will:
- Vote
- Work
- Lead
- Influence society
- Shape the nation
Ask yourself:
- Do you want today’s children to be tomorrow’s leaders?
- What kind of adults will they become?
Look at your own children with prayerful honesty:
- If you like what you see—praise God.
- If you do not—ask God for help and follow His instructions.
