Children; Young People
God’s view of children
How does Jehovah show that children and young people are precious to him?
De 6:6, 7; 14:28, 29; Ps 110:3; 127:3-5; 128:3, 4; Jas 1:27
See also Job 29:12; Ps 27:10; Pr 17:6
See also “Family”
Relevant Bible account(s):
Ge 1:27, 28—Jehovah makes child-rearing key to his original purpose to populate the earth
Ge 9:1—Child-rearing is key to fulfilling God’s command to repopulate the earth after the Deluge
Ge 33:5—The faithful patriarch Jacob views his children as a sign of God’s favor
Mr 10:13-16—Jesus reflects his Father’s love for children
How does Jehovah feel about those who take advantage of or who exploit children?
What Bible principles show that young children should not be expected to assume adult roles or activities?
Relevant Bible account(s):
Ge 33:12-14—Jacob recognizes that his children are delicate and cannot keep an adult’s pace
Is God to blame for the harm that children suffer in this world?
What assurances does Jehovah give that the afflictions of young and old will end?
Does a bad parental example or mistreatment during childhood make a person less valuable or doom him to make similar mistakes?
See also De 30:15, 16
Relevant Bible account(s):
2Ki 18:1-7; 2Ch 28:1-4—Despite having an abusive father who slaughtered some of his own children, Hezekiah becomes a great and faithful king
2Ki 21:19-26; 22:1, 2—Despite the wickedness of his father, Amon, Josiah becomes an outstanding king
1Co 10:11, 12—The apostle Paul explains that we can learn from the mistakes of others and choose not to repeat them
Php 2:12, 13—The apostle Paul reminds us that we have much to do with our own salvation
The responsibilities of children and young people
How does Jehovah view children who still live at home with a God-fearing parent?
Should children of God-fearing parents assume that a good standing with God is automatic?
Relevant Bible account(s):
Le 10:1-3, 8, 9—The sons of High Priest Aaron are put to death, possibly for drunkenness
1Sa 8:1-5—Although Samuel is a righteous prophet, his sons are corrupt
What is required of children who want to find favor with God?
Why should young ones attend congregation meetings?
Relevant Bible account(s):
Mt 15:32-38—Jesus’ audience includes young children
Why is it appropriate for children to worship God?
Relevant Bible account(s):
1Sa 17:4, 8-10, 41, 42, 45-51—Jehovah uses young David to defend His name by defeating a vicious giant
2Ki 5:1-15—Jehovah uses a little Israelite girl to help a non-Israelite army chief learn about the true God
Mt 21:15, 16—Jesus treasures the efforts of children to praise the Messiah
How does God view the children of unbelieving parents?
Relevant Bible account(s):
Nu 16:25, 26, 32, 33—Jehovah’s judgment on some men who rebelled against the prophet Moses and High Priest Aaron includes the men’s families
Nu 26:10, 11—Though the rebel Korah was executed, his sons were spared, evidently because of their faithful course
Why should young ones today choose their associations wisely?
What kind of associates should Christian youths seek out?
See also “Associations”