As parents, we all hope our children will grow up knowing and loving the Lord. Many of us view it as the most important aspect of parenting.

However, a lot of us are also clueless on how to do it! It’s tempting to rely on a local church program to help us teach our kids about God…—after all, these people are the professionals, right?

 

It’s true that pastors may know more about the Bible than you do…

However, YOU know more about your own child than any pastor ever could.

 

That knowledge comes in handy when you teach your child about anything else—why wouldn’t it when you teach your child about God? One of the most overlooked tasks of a parent is that of teaching children scripture on a daily basis.

 

 

Our children will be far better off if they can learn the Scripture at home, from a trusted parent.

 

Scripture is important for a variety of reasons…

As you’ll see below, Scripture is important for a variety of reasons: it’s a way to guide your path, it’s useful for teaching and correcting, and it gives us hope.

A home that relies on the Scriptures as a central part is one that will flourish!

 

Embracing Scripture in the home is more than just reading God’s Word, though. It also means to live out a life that shows the Scriptures in daily action.

• Remembering to thank God before meals shows how God has asked us to be grateful for what He has given us.
• Speaking to children kindly shows them the kindness of God. As parents, we are the first face of God our children see—and it’s important that the face we show them is an accurate representation of the God we serve. We can do this by focusing on the Scriptures and living them out daily.
• Aim to teach them the Scriptures by having them up in our homes, memorizing Scriptures as a family, playing games with children that help them remember, and by using them as we parent daily.We want our children to be armed with the Scriptures so that they can go out into the world as people who love and serve God. For instance, when a child is talking out of turn, you could use the scripture to remind them that “there is a time to be silent and a time to speak!” In this way, you will help parent your child by using God’s Word.
• God never meant us to parent alone, but in community. We are meant to take our children to church and to surround them with others who will help them know Him, as well. We can view the Scriptures as a member of our community, a family member whom we love and communicate with daily.

 

This list of Bible verses is broken down into 3 sections:

 

Verses that remind us the importance of knowing God’s Word

 

Scriptures to help remind us how to live (both as parents and as humans in the world). When we live the way God has intended, as shown in the Scriptures, our children will see who God is and why it’s beneficial to follow him.

 

Scriptures for the family to begin memorizing. These will be helpful both for you, as a parent, as you aim to teach your children more about God’s Word. They will also be helpful for your child, as they are immediately applicable to their lives.

 

So… Without further ado!…

1. Why it’s Important to know God’s Word

 

PROVERBS 22:6

Start children off in the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. (NIV)

As parents, it’s important we start our children off on a good foot. If we start them off trusting God and following His Word, as they get older, they will continue trusting God and following His Word.

 

2 TIMOTHY 3:16

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness. (NIV)

Whenever you need to teach your child, correct them, discipline them, or train them, the Bible is a great tool. All of Scripture comes from God and can be used to help children grow into the adults they should become.

 

HEBREWS 4:12

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharp as a double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. (NIV)

Scripture is not old and stale; it’s useful every day and is active in helping you become the person you’re going to become. In the same way, Scripture is always useful to helping children become the best they can be. This scripture reminds us of how much Scripture impacts every facet of our lives.

 

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. (NIV)

It’s important for families to know Scripture and to begin and end the day with it. By doing so, your life will be one that follows God’s words and sets children up to be successful.

 

DEUTERONOMY 6:6-9

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. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the door frames of your houses and your gates. (NIV)

The best way to show children the importance of Scriptures is to make them part of everyday life. By talking about them in the course of the daily comings-and-goings, children see that they are important for living every day, not just on Sunday mornings.

 

PSALM 119:105

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. (NIV)

Everything in Scripture is used to show us how to live a good life. When we use Scripture as a lamp to show us our way, we know we won’t be led astray.

 

 

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. (NIV)

The Bible is used not only to teach us, but to also give us hope during the hard times in life. As our children go through hard times, we can use the Bible to give them encouragement, as well.

 

2. Verses About How to Live Out the Bible:

 

COLOSSIANS 3:21

Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged. (NIV)

As fathers, we want to be careful not to make our children bitter or resentful. A happy child is one who will be encouraged to do their best in everything they set out to do. This verse reminds us to encourage our children and not to make them resentful.

 

EPHESIANS 6:4:

Fathers, do not exasperate your children but bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. (NIV)

One of the best things we can do for our children is to bring them up to know and serve the Lord. We do this by teaching them about what the Scripture says, but also by doing what the Scriptures show us. One way to do this is by not angering or exasperating our children, but teaching them with the compassion of Christ.

 

 TITUS 2:2-7-8

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. (NIV)

Children look to their parents as an example for how to do good. We can show them the way of God by teaching them with integrity, talking with them seriously, and using sound arguments. A child who hears their parents spoken badly of will not trust their example, so in all things we should aim to be Christ-like so our example is sound and good.

 

 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. (NIV)

Just as God is a shepherd to us, we should act as shepherds to our children. We should watch over them to make sure they are not harmed. We should be examples to them in our eagerness to serve each other, and we should refrain from holding it over their heads that we are in charge, as that will only hurt them.

 

PROVERBS 11:29

Whoever troubles his own household will inherit the wind, and the fool will be the servant to the wise. (NIV)

It is wise for us to treat our households in a way where our children and spouses aren’t troubled. By speaking and acting kindly to our children and spouses, we maintain peace in our households. Harsh words, a lack of compassion, or a lack of listening can all lead to disharmony in the home.

 

GENESIS 18:19

For I have chosen him, that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing righteousness and justice, so that the Lord may bring to Abraham what has promised him. (NIV)

As parents, it is our job to teach our children how to keep the way of the Lord. We do this by reading the Scriptures, taking our children to church, and following God’s Word. In doing so, we will show our children the importance of righteousness and justice.

 

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. (NIV)

Discipline is one of the most important parts of parenting. Sometimes, it can be really hard to discipline our children because we know that it hurts them. However, when we discipline them, we treat them the same way God treats us—with loving correction. In this way, we show our children God’s love for us in how we discipline.

 

 

JOSHUA 24:15

As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord. (NIV)

This is a great verse to put up in your house somewhere, as a reminder to everyone in it that your first priority and focus will always be in serving the Lord.

 

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. (NIV)

Teaching children how to be disciplined in what they accomplish is an essential part of parenting. If we don’t teach our children good disciplines—such as doing homework, having good hygiene, reading the Bible, going to Church, praying, eating properly, exercising, etc—we set them up for a life of pain. However, if we do teach them, it will be painful as we begin, but they will grow into adults who use these disciplines effectively and experience peace as a result.

 

LAMENTATIONS 3:22-23

Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (NIV)

Just as God loves us, we should love our children. As parents, we know that our children can exasperate us at times. However, just as the Lord does, we should be sure to show them compassion. Every morning, we should view it as a new start to the day and a new chance to love our children well. In this way, we show them God’s never-failing love.

 

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 minds in Christ Jesus. (NIV)

We can model for our children what it is like to trust God in all things. Children look up to us to see how we handle hardships. If we are disciplined in praying to God about our hardships and show children the peace that comes from that, they will begin to naturally do it themselves, as well.

 

3. Verses Every Kid Should Learn:

 

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. (NIV)

It will make your life, as a parent, so much easier if your child memorizes this verse and takes it to heart! God has entrusted each of us with the care of our children, and as such, he knows what’s best for them. When we train our children to honor us by listening to us, they will learn more about God’s love and how he treats His children.

 

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. (NIV)

This is another great verse to introduce children to, and to learn yourself! When we remember the benefits that come from knowing God’s commands, we will naturally be more in tune with following the commands and learning them ourselves. This verse reminds us that when we follow God, we will be surrounded by peace, love and faithfulness. Even when our circumstances may not be perfect, we will feel rich because we know and love God.

 

PROVERBS 15: 20

A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother. (NIV)

We want our children to be wise and make good decisions. We can encourage them to do so by teaching them the Scriptures and showing them the wisdom that is inside of them. As parents, we can share with them our own wisdom so that they can bring joy to us.

 

2 CORINTHIANS 5:7

For we live by faith, not by sight. (NIV)

One of the most important things we can do as parents is teach our children to live their lives by faith, not by what they see. In doing so, we can show them how to have faith in God to care for all of their needs. We model this for them by having faith in God, even when things may not seem positive at the time.

 

COLOSSIANS 3:23-24

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from he Lord as a reward. (NIV)

It’s important for our children to develop a strong work ethic, and one of the best ways to do this is to teach them to work for God, not for themselves. This will naturally produce a higher work ethic as they strive to please God. In the same way, we as parents can be sure our children know that we are working for the Lord by working hard and cheerfully.

 

PSALM 73:26

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. (NIV)

As parents, there will be times where things won’t be what we want them to be. Perhaps we are struggling financially, or we are experiencing health problems. We will likely experience death of a loved one while we raise our children, as well. As such, our children will see us in emotions both happy and sad. However, we can show them that God is here for us in everything, and that God brings joy in everything, by reminding them that God is always the strength of our heart. This is a great verse for kids to memorize to remind them who makes them strong!

 

JOHN 3:16

For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life (NIV).

This verse explains salvation quickly and easily! A child with this verse in his arsenal can quote it to explain salvation to a buddy. As parents, we can quote this to our own children to help them know Jesus Christ.

 

 

PSALM 101:3

I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar. I hate all who deal crookedly; I will have nothing to do with them (NLT).

This is a verse for today’s computer/iPad/cellphone owning kids— they are constantly bombarded by the media. Since some TV shows, movies, and internet content can be harmful for young minds, this verse will remind them to stay away from anything that doesn’t please God. As parents, we can use this as a barometer for what members of the family are watching—if it’s vile or vulgar, our household turns it off.

 

LUKE 6:31

Do to others as you would have them do to you (NIV).

Known even in non-Christian circles as “the golden rule”, this little verse is easy to memorize. Sibling rivalry is often a big problem that kids face in childhood, and this verse can help them think twice before walloping their younger brother or sister on the head. We can also utilize it in how we treat our children. Sometimes, we have a tendency to use our status as parents in a way that doesn’t always respect a child’s autonomy or how they want to be treated. By remembering this verse, we can treat children with dignity and respect, which in turn shows them how to treat others.

 

COLOSSIANS 3:20

Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord (NIV).

It’s important for us to teach our children that honoring their parents pleases the Lord. When we are in the throes of it with our children, and they are not honoring us, we can remind them of this verse and how it displeases the Lord when they do not honor us.

 

PHILIPPIANS 4:13

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (NKJV).

Kids going through rough times at school and at home can be comforted by this verse. If they learn to find strength and a “can do” attitude in God at an early age, there’s no telling what they can accomplish as adults. In the same way, we as adults may find that we are having a particularly hard day parenting. This verse reminds us that we can do all things through God.

 

ECCLESIASTES 7:22

Do not pay attention to every word people say, or you may hear your servant cursing you—for you know in your heart that many times you yourself have cursed others (NIV).

Sometimes, we might overhear our children saying negative things about us. Maybe they didn’t like the way we disciplined them, or the food we made for dinner. Whatever it might be, we can remind ourselves that the only opinion that matters is God’s opinion of us.

 

1 JOHN 1:9

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness (NIV).

Humans can be so unforgiving, but God will always forgive us! As parents, we can model forgiveness not only by forgiving our children when they mess up, but also by humbling ourselves and asking for forgiveness when we mess up.

 

PSALM 118:6

The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me? (ESV).

God is with us all the time! When a child is afraid, he can remember this verse and be confident that God will take care of him and help him.

 

EPHESIANS 4:32

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you (NIV).

Part of being in a family often means that little squabbles and arguments happen. Both children and adults can remember this verse when we feel the need to argue with one another. For parents, this verse reminds us that we can hold our tongues and be kind and compassionate to our children (and our spouses!). We should strive to always speak kindly, no matter what the other person is doing. Children can remember this scripture passage and learn to forgive others, since God has forgiven them.

 

PSALM 107:1

Give thanks to the Lord for He is good! His loving-kindness lasts forever! (NLV).

A thankful child is a happy child. If a kid learns to be grateful while he’s young, he’ll live a much fuller, joy-filled life. We can model this for our children by showcasing our gratitude to God when good things come our way.

 

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. (NIV).

It’s inevitable that there will be bickering in a family, and words will be said that hurt one another. However, we can learn to forgive one another, while we remember the way God has forgiven us.

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