7 Bible Verses About Being a Good Father

Guys like titles. That’s not necessarily bad, as long as we remember that some titles—like Christ follower, husband, and father—mean more than others. That’s one reason God’s Word is so valuable. Bible verses about being a good father can be the ultimate guide for dads searching to lead their kids better. Scripture consistently reminds us about what really matters in life. For example, when we absorb Bible verses on fatherhood, it can transform our lives and the lives of those around us. It really is that powerful.

Why search the Scriptures?

The most obvious reason to look for a verse about being a great father is that God’s Word is exactly that. . . . it’s God’s Word. As Christ followers, we claim to base on lives on what He said and how He lived. If that’s true, we need to know what He said and what He did.

You don’t find that anywhere else.

Plus, the Bible gives us some great examples of fatherhood. The ultimate example comes from our heavenly Father, but Scripture also highlights some solid human role models. We get to see how men who really loved God made it work in their lives. Of course, none of them were perfect dads, just like we’re not perfect. But even in their ups and downs, they provide a kind of mentorship that stands the test of time.

That’s what digesting a Bible verse about being a good father can provide.

7 Bible Verses About Being a Good Father

Some voices say that the Bible is just a book of fairy tales and fables. At best, it’s a collection of ancient morality myths. But if you really take the time to learn what the Bible says, you quickly realize just how relevant it can be to so many areas of our lives, including being a good dad.

So, where do you start? As I mentioned before, you can find some great examples of fathers who both shone and struggled. You also can find some wise principles for building a solid fatherhood foundation. To get you moving in the right direction, here are seven Bible verses about being a good father. The list isn’t exhaustive, but these baby steps are a great place to start the journey.

“These words that I am giving you today are to be in your heart. Repeat them to your children. Talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”

1. Deuteronomy 6:6-7. The way to a man’s heart might be his stomach, but the way to your kids’ hearts is much more direct. You can sum it up in one word: Time. In reality, nothing says “you’re important” to your child, like the time you spend with them. And, as Moses suggested in Deuteronomy 6, some of that time can be used as a teachable moment to ground your children in God’s Word.

 “Start a youth out on his way; even when he grows old he will not depart from it.”

2. Proverbs 22:6. When God brought your children into your life, He gave you a new role: teacher. Whatever you happen to do for a living, you are called by Him to be the primary spiritual mentor for your kids. Your example lets them know what kind of people they can really become. You get to show them what it looks like to live with a moral compass—and why it matters.

“Fathers, don’t stir up anger in your children, but bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”

3. Ephesians 6:4. Being a good father means disciplining your kids. It’s what God does for us (Hebrews 12:3-11), and it’s what He expects from us. The question is, How do you discipline? And the answer is, with love and patience. Don’t act of out of anger and frustration. Learn new strategies to instill discipline in your kids; Respond in love, just like God responds to His kids.

“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself for her.”

4. Ephesians 5:25. The best way to love your kids is to love God with all your heart. The next best way is to love their mother well. Children who see their parents sharing a loving relationship feel more secure, and that’s a big deal now and for the future.

Of course, this can be harder when separation or divorce is involved. But you can still show love to your spouse (or former spouse) through respect. It might not be easy, but get into verses about being a good father; it will give your children a wonderful gift—and help you be a better father.

“But if anyone does not provide for his own family, especially for his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”

5. 1 Timothy 5:8. If you want to be a good father, provide for your family. Whether it’s finances or words of encouragement, you have a responsibility to do all you can to support your household. If you shirk that command, it says a lot about your character—and your faith. It might take some sacrifices on your part, but that’s what great dads do.

“This book of instruction must not depart from your mouth; you are to meditate on it day and night so that you may carefully observe everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in whatever you do.”

6. Joshua 1:8. Courage isn’t the absence of fear. It’s standing up to our fears. It’s being willing to take a step forward even when it doesn’t make sense. In other words, it means living by faith. God told Joshua that genuine men of God live with courage. He also said it starts with immersing yourself in His Word on a regular basis, which is key to being a great dad.

“As for me and my family, we will worship the Lord.” Joshua 24:15

7. Joshua 24:15. The previous verse emphasized God’s words to Joshua early on. This verse reveals the “rest of the story.” After a lifetime of faith, Joshua affirmed that God was his only foundation. He and his family were going to stick with the Lord no matter what. This is an incredibly powerful Bible verse about being a good father. If you can lead your family to embrace God and follow Him with a whole heart across generations, you will have done your job well.

All truth belongs to God

When I was in seminary, I was taught that all truth is God’s truth, regardless of the human source. In other words, some principles just work because they are true. And their truth carries weight because everything that’s true is rooted in God’s character . . . even if you can’t point to a particular chapter or verse.

While the power and authority of Scripture are eternal, the particular ways we apply it might look different from time to time. For example, no Bible verse about being a good father will specifically tell you to eat meals as a family on a regular basis or read good books to your kids. But common sense and experience tell us these practical actions make a difference. They are true because they are rooted in God’s character.

So, as you study verses about becoming a better dad, also look for opportunities to do the little things that you can’t necessarily underline or bookmark on a page. After all, knowing God’s Word is one thing, but living it out makes all the difference (James 1:22).

In the long run, that’s what makes you a good father.