What does the Bible say about parental responsibility?

The Bible places a significant emphasis on the responsibilities of parents in the upbringing of their children. This is clearly illustrated in Proverbs 13:24, which states that he who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him promptly. This reflects the necessity of not merely guiding children through instruction, but also through discipline, as part of a loving and responsible parental duty. The Puritans understood this deeply and practiced it in their homes, ensuring their children were both catechized and prayed for regularly.

Furthermore, when parents neglect their responsibilities, as exemplified by Eli's failure to restrain his sons Hophni and Phinehas, dire consequences ensue. Samuel relays God’s judgment against Eli for allowing such sinfulness to persist without correction (1 Samuel 3:11-14). This warning serves as a sobering reminder to all parents of the weighty position they hold and the eternal implications of their parental choices. To neglect such duties not only jeopardizes the spiritual well-being of children but also places a heavy burden upon the parents themselves, invoking a cry for mercy and guidance from God in their upbringing.