12 Bible Verses About Abusive Parents

Written by: Evelyn Johnson
Published on:

Bible verses about abusive parents

Here are twelve powerful Bible verses about abusive parents:

1. Ephesians 6:4 – “And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”
2. Colossians 3:21 – “Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.”
3. Proverbs 22:6 – “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”
4. Proverbs 29:15 – “The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.”
5. Matthew 18:6 – “But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.”
6. 1 Timothy 5:8 – “But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.”

7. Exodus 20:12 – “Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.”
8. Leviticus 19:3 – “Ye shall fear every man his mother, and his father, and keep my sabbaths: I am the Lord your God.”
9. Proverbs 1:8-9 – “My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.”
10. Proverbs 15:20 – “A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother.”
11. Proverbs 20:20 – “Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness.”
12. Proverbs 30:17 – “The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it.”

What does the bible say about abusive parents?

The Bible condemns abuse in all forms, including abuse by parents towards their children.

It emphasizes the importance of love, compassion, and respect within families.

It teaches that parents have a responsibility to care for and nurture their children, not to harm or mistreat them.

The Bible also encourages seeking help and support from others if one is experiencing abuse, and promotes forgiveness and reconciliation when possible.

Ultimately, the Bible teaches that all individuals, including parents, are accountable for their actions and will be judged accordingly.

What Bible chapters should you read if you want to learn more about abusive parents?

1. Exodus 21 – This chapter outlines laws regarding the treatment of slaves, which can provide insight into the biblical perspective on power dynamics and abuse within a household.

2. Proverbs 22 – This chapter contains wisdom on the importance of discipline and correction in raising children, but also emphasizes the need for love and compassion in parenting.

3. Ephesians 6 – This chapter discusses the responsibilities of both parents and children in a family unit, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect and nurturing relationships.

4. Colossians 3 – This chapter addresses the qualities of a Christian household, including the importance of forgiveness and love in relationships between family members.

These chapters are relevant to understanding abusive parents because they provide guidance on the proper treatment of children and family members, emphasizing the importance of love, respect, and compassion in parenting. They also highlight the consequences of abusive behavior and the importance of seeking reconciliation and forgiveness in relationships.

Ideas and concepts related to abusive parents that are also taught or mentioned in the Bible.’

1. Love and compassion: The Bible teaches about the importance of love and compassion towards others, including children. Abusive parents often lack these qualities, as they may harm their children physically, emotionally, or mentally.

2. Discipline: The Bible also speaks about the importance of discipline in raising children. However, discipline should be done in a loving and nurturing way, not through abuse or violence. Abusive parents may use discipline as a means of control or punishment, rather than as a way to teach and guide their children.

3. Forgiveness: The Bible teaches about the power of forgiveness and the importance of letting go of past hurts. Children who have been abused by their parents may struggle with forgiveness, as the trauma they experienced can be difficult to overcome. However, the Bible encourages forgiveness as a way to heal and move forward.

4. Justice: The Bible speaks about the importance of seeking justice for those who have been wronged. Abusive parents may try to justify their actions or deny the harm they have caused to their children. However, the Bible calls for accountability and justice for those who have been victims of abuse.

Overall, the concepts related to abusive parents in the Bible emphasize the importance of love, compassion, discipline, forgiveness, and justice in parenting. Abusive parents often fail to embody these qualities, leading to harm and trauma for their children. The Bible serves as a guide for parents to nurture and care for their children in a healthy and loving way.

Evelyn Johnson - Bible Verses
Written by Evelyn Johnson


Evelyn Johnson is a theologian, Bible expert, and the founder of EncouragingBibleVerses.org, a trusted resource for uplifting and empowering Bible verses.

With a Master's degree in Divinity, Evelyn is dedicated to studying and interpreting the Bible. Her website features curated collections of verses on various topics, along with insightful commentary and practical tips for everyday life.

Evelyn is also a sought-after speaker and author on matters of faith and spirituality. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and volunteering in her local church and community.

Learn more about her and read her other articles here.