3 Behold, children are a heritage and gift from the Lord,

The fruit of the womb a reward. [Deut 28:4]

12 Let our sons in their youth be like plants full grown,

And our daughters like corner pillars fashioned for a palace;

13 For You formed my innermost parts;

You knit me [together] in my mother’s womb.

14 I will give thanks and praise to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

Wonderful are Your works,

And my soul knows it very well.

9 How can a young man keep his way pure?

By keeping watch [on himself] according to Your word [conforming his life to Your precepts].

9 How can a young man keep his way pure?

By keeping watch [on himself] according to Your word [conforming his life to Your precepts].

11 Come, you children, listen to me;

I will teach you to fear the Lord [with awe-inspired reverence and worship Him with obedience].

6 Train up a child in the way he should go [teaching him to seek God’s wisdom and will for his abilities and talents],

Even when he is old he will not depart from it. [Eph 6:4; 2 Tim 3:15]

6 Train up a child in the way he should go [teaching him to seek God’s wisdom and will for his abilities and talents],

Even when he is old he will not depart from it. [Eph 6:4; 2 Tim 3:15]

6 Train up a child in the way he should go [teaching him to seek God’s wisdom and will for his abilities and talents],

Even when he is old he will not depart from it. [Eph 6:4; 2 Tim 3:15]

15 Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child;

The rod of discipline [correction administered with godly wisdom and lovingkindness] will remove it far from him.

15 Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child;

The rod of discipline [correction administered with godly wisdom and lovingkindness] will remove it far from him.

24 He who withholds the rod [of discipline] hates his son,

But he who loves him disciplines and trains him diligently and appropriately [with wisdom and love]. [Prov 19:18; 22:15; 23:13; 29:15, 17; Eph 6:4]

1 A wise son heeds and accepts [and is the result of] his father’s discipline and instruction,

But a scoffer does not listen to reprimand and does not learn from his errors.

1 My son, do not forget my *teaching,

But let your heart keep my commandments;

2 For length of days and years of life [worth living]

And tranquility and prosperity [the wholeness of life’s blessings] they will add to you.

1 My son, do not forget my *teaching,

But let your heart keep my commandments;

12 For those whom the Lord loves He corrects,

Even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights.

4 He taught me and said to me,

"Let your heart hold fast my words;

Keep my commandments and live. [1 Chr 28:9; Eph 6:4]

5 "Get [skillful and godly] wisdom! Acquire understanding [actively seek spiritual discernment, mature comprehension, and logical interpretation]!

Do not forget nor turn away from the words of my mouth.

15 The rod and reproof (godly instruction) give wisdom,

But a child who gets his own way brings shame to his mother.

13 Do not withhold discipline from the child;

If you *swat him with a reed-like rod [applied with godly wisdom], he will not die.

22 Listen to your father, who sired you,

And do not despise your mother when she is old.

23 *Buy truth, and do not sell it;

Get wisdom and instruction and understanding.

26 He who assaults his father and chases away his mother

Is a son who brings shame and disgrace. [1 Tim 5:8]

1 Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity

Than a [rich] man who is twisted in his speech and is a [shortsighted] fool.

7 The righteous man who walks in integrity and lives life in accord with his [godly] beliefs—

How blessed [happy and spiritually secure] are his children after him [who have his example to follow].

11 Even a boy is known and distinguished by his acts,

Whether his conduct is pure and right.

25 A foolish son is a grief and anguish to his father

And bitterness to her who gave birth to him.

6 Grandchildren are the crown of aged men,

And the glory of children is their fathers [who live godly lives]. [Ps 127:3; 128:3]

6 Grandchildren are the crown of aged men,

And the glory of children is their fathers [who live godly lives]. [Ps 127:3; 128:3]

5 A [flippant, arrogant] fool rejects his father’s instruction and correction,

But he who [is willing to learn and] regards and keeps in mind a reprimand acquires good sense.

20 A wise son makes a father glad,

But a foolish man despises his mother.

7 He who keeps the law [of God and man] is a wise and discerning son,

But he who is a companion of gluttons humiliates his father [and himself].

8 My son, hear the instruction of your father,

And do not reject the teaching of your mother.

9 For they are a garland of grace on your head,

And chains and ornaments [of gold] around your neck.

32 "Now therefore, O sons, listen to me,

For blessed [happy, prosperous, to be admired] are they who keep my ways. [Ps 119:1, 2; 128:1, 2; Luke 11:28]

33 "Heed (pay attention to) instruction and be wise,

And do not ignore or neglect it.

1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord [that is, accept their guidance and discipline as His representatives], for this is right [for obedience teaches wisdom and self-discipline]. 2 Honor [esteem, value as precious] your father and your mother [and be respectful to them]—this is the first commandment with a promise— 3 so that it may be well with you, and that you may have a long life on the earth. [Ex 20:12]

4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger [do not exasperate them to the point of resentment with demands that are trivial or unreasonable or humiliating or abusive; nor by showing favoritism or indifference to any of them], but bring them up [tenderly, with lovingkindness] in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger [do not exasperate them to the point of resentment with demands that are trivial or unreasonable or humiliating or abusive; nor by showing favoritism or indifference to any of them], but bring them up [tenderly, with lovingkindness] in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

1 Therefore become imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father];

20 Children, obey your parents [as God’s representatives] in all things, for this [attitude of respect and obedience] is well-pleasing *to the Lord [and will bring you God’s promised blessings].

21 Fathers, do not provoke or irritate or exasperate your children [with demands that are trivial or unreasonable or humiliating or abusive; nor by favoritism or indifference; treat them tenderly with lovingkindness], so they will not lose heart and become discouraged or unmotivated [with their spirits broken].

6 These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be [written] on your heart and mind. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your *children [impressing God’s precepts on their minds and penetrating their hearts with His truths] and shall speak of them when you sit in your house and when you walk on the road and when you lie down and when you get up.

7 You shall teach them diligently to your *children [impressing God’s precepts on their minds and penetrating their hearts with His truths] and shall speak of them when you sit in your house and when you walk on the road and when you lie down and when you get up.

40 So you shall keep His statutes and His commandments which I am commanding you today, so that it may go well with you and with your children after you, and so that you may live long on the land which the Lord your God is giving you for all time."

28 "Be careful to listen to all these words which I am commanding you, so that it may be well with you and with your *children after you forever, because you will be doing what is good and right in the sight of the Lord your God.

46 he said to them, "Take to heart all the words of warning which I am speaking to you today; and you shall command your children to observe them carefully—to do all the words of this law. 47 For it is not an empty or trivial matter for you; indeed it is your [very] life. By [honoring and obeying] this word you will live long in the land, which you are crossing the Jordan to possess."

14 But He said, "Leave the children alone, and do not forbid them from coming to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

14 But He said, "Leave the children alone, and do not forbid them from coming to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" [Mark 9:33-37; Luke 9:46-48] 2 He called a little child and set him before them, 3 and said, "I assure you and most solemnly say to you, unless you repent [that is, change your inner self—your old way of thinking, live changed lives] and become like children [trusting, humble, and forgiving], you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.4 Therefore, whoever *humbles himself like this child is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

3 and said, "I assure you and most solemnly say to you, unless you repent [that is, change your inner self—your old way of thinking, live changed lives] and become like children [trusting, humble, and forgiving], you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.4 Therefore, whoever *humbles himself like this child is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.5 Whoever receives and welcomes one *child like this in My name receives Me;

10 "See that you do not despise or think less of one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven [are in the presence of and] continually look upon the face of My Father who is in heaven. [Acts 12:15; Heb 1:14]

25 At that time Jesus said, "I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth [I openly and joyfully acknowledge Your great wisdom], that You have hidden these things [these spiritual truths] from the wise and intelligent and revealed them to infants [to new believers, to those seeking God’s will and purpose].

9 "Blessed [spiritually calm with life-joy in God’s favor] are the makers and maintainers of peace, for they will [express His character and] be called the sons of God. [Heb 12:14]

13 People were bringing children to Him so that He would touch and bless them, but the disciples reprimanded them and discouraged them [from coming]. 14 But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and He said to them, "Allow the children to come to Me; do not forbid them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

36 Taking a child, He set him before them; and taking him in His arms, He said to them, 37 "Whoever receives and welcomes one child such as this in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me receives not [only] Me, but Him who sent Me." [Matt 10:40; Luke 10:16; John 13:20]

52 And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and in stature, and in favor with God and men. [1 Sam 2:26]

15 So when they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these [others do—with total commitment and devotion]?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I *love You [with a deep, personal affection, as for a close friend]." Jesus said to him, "Feed My lambs."

12 But to as many as did receive and welcome Him, He gave the right [the authority, the privilege] to become children of God, that is, to those who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) His name— [Is 56:5]

14 For all who are allowing themselves to be led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.

15 For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading again to fear [of God’s judgment], but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons [the Spirit producing sonship] by which we [joyfully] cry, "*Abba! Father!"

16 The Spirit Himself testifies and confirms together with our spirit [assuring us] that we [believers] are children of God.

19 For [even the whole] creation [all nature] waits eagerly for the children of God to be revealed.

26 For you [who are born-again have been reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, sanctified and] are all children of God [set apart for His purpose with full rights and privileges] through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For all of you who were baptized into Christ [into a spiritual union with the Christ, the Anointed] have clothed yourselves with Christ [that is, you have taken on His characteristics and values].

1 See what an incredible quality of love the Father has shown to us, that we would [be permitted to] be named and called and counted the children of God! And so we are! For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.

2 Beloved, we are [even here and] now children of God, and it is not yet made clear what we will be [after His coming]. We know that when He comes and is revealed, we will [as His children] be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is [in all His glory]. 3 And everyone who has this hope [confidently placed] in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure (holy, undefiled, guiltless).

12 I am writing to you, little children (believers, dear ones), because your sins have been forgiven for His name’s sake [you have been pardoned and released from spiritual debt through His name because you have confessed His name, believing in Him as Savior].

21 Little children (believers, dear ones), guard yourselves from idols—[false teachings, moral compromises, and anything that would take God’s place in your heart].

4 He must manage his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity [keeping them respectful and well-behaved]

8 If anyone fails to provide for his own, and especially for those of his own family, he has denied the faith [by disregarding its precepts] and is worse than an unbeliever [who fulfills his obligation in these matters].

5 and you have *forgotten the divine word of encouragement which is addressed to you as sons,

"My son, do not make light of the discipline of the Lord,

And do not lose heartandgive up when you are corrected by Him;

6 For the Lord disciplinesandcorrects those whom He loves,

And He punishes every son whom He receivesandwelcomes [to His heart]." [Prov 3:11, 12]

7 You must submit to [correction for the purpose of] discipline; God is dealing with you as with sons; for *what son is there whom his father does not discipline? 8 Now if you are exempt from correction and without discipline, in which all [of God’s children] share, then you are illegitimate children and not sons [at all]. 9 Moreover, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us, and we submitted and respected them [for training us]; shall we not much more willingly submit to the Father of *spirits, and live [by learning from His discipline]?

11 For the time being no discipline brings joy, but seems sad and painful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness [right standing with God and a lifestyle and attitude that seeks conformity to God’s will and purpose].

31 And they answered, "Believe in the Lord Jesus [as your personal Savior and entrust yourself to Him] and you will be saved, you and your household [if they also believe]."

22 Run away from youthful lusts—pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those [believers] who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

2 The things [the doctrine, the precepts, the admonitions, the sum of my ministry] which you have heard me teach *in the presence of many witnesses, entrust [as a treasure] to reliable and faithful men who will also be capable and qualified to teach others.

13 "And all your [spiritual] sons will be disciples [of the Lord],

And great will be the *well-being of your sons. [John 6:45]

13 "And all your [spiritual] sons will be disciples [of the Lord],

And great will be the *well-being of your sons. [John 6:45]

19 "It is the living who give praise and thanks to You, as I do today;

A father tells his sons about Your faithfulness.

15 [The Lord answered] "Can a woman forget her nursing child

And have no compassion on the son of her womb?

Even these may forget, but I will not forget you.

16 "Indeed, I have inscribed [a picture of] you on the *palms of My hands;

Your city walls [Zion] are continually before Me.

14 When I saw their fear, I stood and said to the nobles and officials and the rest of the people: "Do not be afraid of them; [confidently] remember the Lord who is great and awesome, and [with courage from Him] fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and for your homes."

1 Now the boy Samuel was attending to the service of the Lord*under the supervision of Eli. The word of the Lord was rare and precious in those days; visions [that is, new revelations of divine truth] were not widespread.

4 I have no greater joy than this, to hear that my [spiritual] children are living [their lives] in the truth.

4 I have no greater joy than this, to hear that my [spiritual] children are living [their lives] in the truth.

4 We will not hide them from their children,

But [we will] tell to the generation to come the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord,

And [tell of] His great might and power and the wonderful works that He has done.

5 For He established a testimony (a specific precept) in Jacob

And appointed a law in Israel,

Which He commanded our fathers

That they should teach to their children [the great facts of God’s transactions with Israel],

6 That the generation to come might know them, that the children still to be born

May arise and recount them to their children,

7 That they should place their confidence in God

And not forget the works of God,

But keep His commandments,