12 Bible Verses About Bad Parents

Written by: Evelyn Johnson
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Bible verses about bad parents

Here are twelve powerful Bible verses about bad parents:

1. Proverbs 22:6 – Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
2. Ephesians 6:4 – And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
3. Colossians 3:21 – Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.
4. Proverbs 23:13-14 – Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die. Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell.
5. Proverbs 19:18 – Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.
6. Proverbs 29:15 – The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.

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. Matthew 15:4 – For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.
9. 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.
10. Proverbs 20:20 – Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness.
11. Leviticus 20:9 – For every one that curseth his father or his mother shall be surely put to death: he hath cursed his father or his mother; his blood shall be upon him.
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 bad parents?

The Bible emphasizes the importance of honoring and respecting parents, regardless of their behavior.

It also acknowledges that some parents may not always act in a loving or responsible manner.

The Bible encourages forgiveness and understanding towards parents who may have made mistakes or acted poorly.

It also emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance and support from God in dealing with difficult family relationships.

Ultimately, the Bible teaches that everyone is accountable for their own actions and should strive to show love and compassion towards others, including parents who may have fallen short.

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

1. Proverbs 22 – This chapter contains several verses that discuss the importance of raising children with discipline and guidance. It also warns against neglecting or mistreating children, which can be relevant to understanding the characteristics of bad parents.

2. Ephesians 6 – This chapter emphasizes the responsibility of parents to raise their children in a loving and nurturing environment. It also discusses the importance of setting a good example for children, which can be contrasted with the behavior of bad parents.

3. Colossians 3 – This chapter discusses the importance of treating others with kindness, compassion, and forgiveness. It can be relevant to understanding the impact of bad parenting on children, as well as the importance of breaking the cycle of negative behavior.

Reading these chapters can provide insight into the characteristics and behaviors of bad parents, as well as the impact of their actions on their children. It can also offer guidance on how to break the cycle of bad parenting and create a more positive and nurturing environment for children.

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

1. Neglect: In the Bible, neglecting one’s children is seen as a serious offense. Parents are called to provide for the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of their children. Neglecting these responsibilities can have serious consequences for both the parent and the child.

2. Abuse: The Bible condemns any form of abuse, whether physical, emotional, or verbal. Parents are called to love and care for their children, not harm them in any way. Abuse can have long-lasting effects on a child’s well-being and can lead to a cycle of dysfunction in future generations.

3. Favoritism: The Bible warns against showing favoritism towards one child over another. This can create resentment and division within the family, leading to a breakdown in relationships and trust. Parents are called to treat all their children with love and fairness.

4. Discipline: The Bible teaches that discipline is important for children, but it should be done in a loving and constructive way. Harsh or abusive discipline can have negative effects on a child’s development and can lead to feelings of resentment and anger towards the parent.

5. Role modeling: Parents are called to be role models for their children, demonstrating good character and values through their words and actions. When parents fail to live up to these standards, it can have a detrimental impact on their children’s upbringing and future behavior.

Overall, the concepts related to ‘bad parents’ in the Bible emphasize the importance of love, care, and responsibility in parenting. Failing to uphold these principles can have serious consequences for both the parent and the child, leading to dysfunction and broken relationships within the family.

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.