Children

In the Bible, children are considered a blessing and a heritage from the Lord. Psalm 127:3-5 states, "Children are indeed a heritage from the LORD, and the fruit of the womb is His reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them." This passage highlights the value and joy that children bring to a family.

The upbringing of children is a significant responsibility for parents, as they are instructed to raise them in the knowledge and fear of the Lord. Proverbs 22:6 advises, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." This underscores the importance of instilling godly principles and values from a young age.

In the New Testament, Jesus emphasizes the importance of children in the Kingdom of God. In Matthew 19:14 , Jesus says, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." This statement reflects the purity and humility that children exemplify, qualities that are essential for entering the Kingdom of Heaven.

The Apostle Paul also provides guidance on the relationship between parents and children. In Ephesians 6:1-4 , he writes, "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 'Honor your father and mother' (which is the first commandment with a promise), 'that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life on the earth.' Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." This passage highlights the mutual responsibilities of obedience and nurturing within the family unit.

Wives

The role of wives in the Bible is multifaceted, encompassing partnership, support, and love within the marital relationship. The creation narrative in Genesis establishes the foundational role of a wife. Genesis 2:18 states, "The LORD God said, 'It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make for him a suitable helper.'" This indicates that the wife is a complementary partner to her husband, designed to support and complete him.

Proverbs 31 provides a detailed description of a virtuous wife, highlighting her industriousness, wisdom, and care for her household. Proverbs 31:10-12 reads, "A wife of noble character, who can find? She is far more precious than rubies. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he lacks nothing of value. She brings him good and not harm all the days of her life." This passage celebrates the strength and dignity of a wife who diligently manages her home and supports her husband.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul addresses the relationship between husbands and wives, emphasizing mutual love and respect. Ephesians 5:22-25 instructs, "Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, His body, of which He is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her." This passage underscores the sacrificial love husbands are to have for their wives, mirroring Christ's love for the church, while also highlighting the respectful submission of wives to their husbands.

The Apostle Peter also provides guidance on the conduct of wives, particularly in the context of a marriage where the husband may not share the same faith. In 1 Peter 3:1-4 , he writes, "Wives, in the same way, submit yourselves to your husbands so that, even if they refuse to believe the word, they will be won over without words by the behavior of their wives when they see your pure and reverent demeanor. Your beauty should not come from outward adornment such as braided hair or gold jewelry or fine clothes, but from the inner disposition of your heart, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in God’s sight." This passage emphasizes the power of a wife's conduct and character in influencing her husband and glorifying God.