Topical Bible: Wicked Children with Regard to Parents: Hearken not to Them

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, the relationship between children and parents is of paramount importance, with a strong emphasis on obedience, respect, and honor. However, Scripture also addresses the issue of wicked children and the appropriate response of parents and society to such behavior. The Bible provides guidance on how to deal with children who act wickedly, particularly when they attempt to lead others astray or act in defiance of God's commandments.

Biblical Mandate for Parental Authority

The Bible establishes a clear expectation for children to obey and honor their parents. In Ephesians 6:1-3 , it is written: "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 enjoy long life on the earth.'" This passage underscores the importance of obedience as a fundamental aspect of a child's relationship with their parents.

Consequences of Wickedness

The Scriptures do not shy away from addressing the consequences of wicked behavior in children. Proverbs 30:17 warns, "As for the eye that mocks a father and scorns obedience to a mother, may the ravens of the valley pluck it out and young vultures eat it." This vivid imagery serves as a stark reminder of the severe consequences that can befall those who disrespect and disobey their parents.

Parental Responsibility to Correct

Parents are entrusted with the responsibility to correct and discipline their children. Proverbs 13:24 states, "He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him diligently." This proverb highlights the necessity of discipline as an expression of love and concern for the child's well-being and moral development.

Avoiding the Influence of Wicked Children

The Bible also advises against heeding the counsel or influence of wicked children. In Deuteronomy 13:6-8 , the Israelites are instructed not to listen to anyone, including family members, who entice them to serve other gods: "If your very own brother, or your son or daughter, or the wife you embrace, or your closest friend secretly entices you, saying, 'Let us go and worship other gods'... you must not yield to him or listen to him." This passage emphasizes the importance of remaining steadfast in faith and not allowing even close family members to lead one astray.

Community Involvement in Addressing Wickedness

In ancient Israel, the community played a role in addressing the behavior of wicked children. Deuteronomy 21:18-21 describes the procedure for dealing with a stubborn and rebellious son: "If a man has a stubborn and rebellious son who does not obey his father and mother and does not listen to them when disciplined... all the men of his city will stone him to death. So you must purge the evil from among you, and all Israel will hear and be afraid." While this law reflects the severity of dealing with rebellion in a theocratic society, it underscores the collective responsibility to uphold righteousness.

Conclusion

The Bible provides clear guidance on the issue of wicked children, emphasizing the importance of parental authority, the necessity of discipline, and the need to resist ungodly influences. Through these teachings, Scripture seeks to maintain the sanctity of the family unit and the community's commitment to God's commandments.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Samuel 2:25
If one man sin against another, the judge shall judge him: but if a man sin against the LORD, who shall entreat for him? Notwithstanding they listened not to the voice of their father, because the LORD would slay them.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Titus when the Jews were not at all Mollified by his Leaving Off ...
... of your country already going to ruin; return from your wicked ways, and have regard
to the ... and set before every one of your eyes your children, and wives ...
/.../chapter 9 titus when the.htm

The Blessing of God on Filial Piety.
... He continued "to warn the wicked from his way ... not generally leave such things in
charge to their children. ... ignorant of them, or their obligation to regard them. ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xxiii the blessing of.htm

Thoughts Upon Christian Education.
... Works, the Pomps and Vanities of this wicked World, and ... Wherefore, If we have any
regard either to our own ... in good earnest; let us bring up our Children so long ...
/.../private thoughts upon a christian life/thoughts upon christian education.htm

Demonstration xxii. --Of Death and the Latter Times.
... another whom the king has held in regard; and outside ... were swallowed up, thither
shall the wicked be turned ... for our brethren and beloved, the children of the ...
/.../aphrahat/aphrahat select demonstrations/demonstration xxii of death and the.htm

Ephesians vi. 8-May
... own wives; again the wives and the husbands over the children. ... the Apostle here by
the world means wicked men, and ... 7.) So that it was not with regard to these ...
/.../homily xxii ephesians vi 8-may.htm

the Manner of this Oversight
... befriend their wickedness, you show that you are wicked yourselves ... them as if they
had been our children, we must ... property of a Judas to have more regard to the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/section 2 - the manner.htm

Matt. x. 16
... The monster is wicked, and never despairs: and this turns out ... of her husband's self
command with regard to these ... than all these, I mean, their children; and she ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xxxiii matt x 16.htm

Matt. xiii. 53
... And as with regard to His works, they do not ... nature of virtue, even amongst the wicked
admiration and ... who were by nature deprived of children, and commanded ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xlviii matt xiii 53.htm

Thanksgiving to God for the Pardon Granted to the Offenders ...
... Sabbath, but did no such thing in regard to murder? ... judges; but Adam only existed
with his children; in order ... hear it said on that day, "O wicked and slothful ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily xii thanksgiving to god.htm

The Polity Settled by Moses; and How He Disappeared from among ...
... others; but let him chiefly have regard to God ... commiseration, because they were born
of wicked parents, than hatred ... if they had killed their children, since they ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 8 the polity settled.htm