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145 Scriptures about Fathers

The Bible portrays fathers as wise guides, providers, and disciplinarians who are to lead their families with love, integrity, and godly instruction. This collection of Scriptures about fathers highlights the roles, responsibilities, and virtues of being a father, providing wisdom and guidance. Whether you’re a father, a child, or interested in the spiritual foundations of family life, these verses offer meaningful insights into the love and strength of fatherhood.

Scriptures about a Father’s Guidance and Wisdom

  • Proverbs 1:8-9 – “Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. They are a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck.”
  • Proverbs 3:12 – “For the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.”
  • Proverbs 4:1-2 – “Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding. I give you sound learning, so do not forsake my teaching.”
  • Proverbs 22:6 – “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”
  • Deuteronomy 1:31 – “There you saw how the Lord your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place.”
  • Ephesians 6:4 – “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”
  • Proverbs 23:22-24 – “Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.”
  • Proverbs 15:5 – “A fool spurns a parent’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence.”
  • Proverbs 13:24 – “Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.”

Scriptures about Fatherly Love and Provision

  • Luke 15:20-24 – “So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.”
  • Psalm 68:5 – “A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.”
  • 2 Corinthians 6:18 – “And, ‘I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.'”
  • Psalm 127:3-5 – “Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.”
  • 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12 – “For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.”
  • Proverbs 3:11-12 – “My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.”
  • Hebrews 12:7 – “Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father?”
  • 3 John 1:4 – “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”
  • Psalm 32:7-8 – “You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”

Scriptures about Fatherly Discipline and Correction

  • Hebrews 12:9-10 – “Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness.”
  • Proverbs 29:17 – “Discipline your children, and they will give you peace; they will bring you the delights you desire.”
  • Proverbs 19:18 – “Discipline your children, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to their death.”
  • Ephesians 6:1-3 – “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘Honor your father and mother’—which is the first commandment with a promise—’so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.'”
  • Proverbs 13:1 – “A wise son heeds his father’s instruction, but a mocker does not respond to rebukes.”
  • Proverbs 31:2 – “Listen, my son! Listen, son of my womb! Listen, my son, the answer to my prayers!”
  • Colossians 3:21 – “Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.”
  • Proverbs 28:7 – “A discerning son heeds instruction, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.”
  • Leviticus 19:3 – “Each of you must respect your mother and father, and you must observe my Sabbaths. I am the Lord your God.”

Scriptures about Fathers’ Faith and Legacy

  • Genesis 18:19 – “For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just, so that the Lord will bring about for Abraham what he has promised him.”
  • Joshua 24:15 – “But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”
  • Psalm 78:4-6 – “We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done. He decreed statutes for Jacob and established the law in Israel, which he commanded our ancestors to teach their children, so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children.”
  • Proverbs 17:6 – “Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.”
  • Deuteronomy 6:6-7 – “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”
  • 2 Timothy 1:5 – “I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.”
  • Proverbs 20:20 – “If someone curses their father or mother, their lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness.”
  • Malachi 4:6 – “He will turn the hearts of the parents to their children, and the hearts of the children to their parents; or else I will come and strike the land with total destruction.”

Scriptures about Fathers and Patience

  • 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 – “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
  • Galatians 6:9 – “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
  • Ephesians 4:2 – “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”
  • Colossians 3:12 – “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:14 – “And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.”
  • James 1:19-20 – “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”
  • 2 Peter 3:9 – “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
  • Proverbs 14:29 – “Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.”
  • Proverbs 15:18 – “A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.”
  • James 5:7-8 – “Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.”

Scriptures about Fathers as Role Models

  • Titus 2:7-8 – “In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.”
  • Philippians 4:9 – “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”
  • 1 Peter 5:2-3 – “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.”
  • Deuteronomy 11:19 – “Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”
  • 1 Timothy 4:12 – “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”
  • Ephesians 5:1-2 – “Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”
  • 1 Corinthians 11:1 – “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.”
  • Proverbs 20:11 – “Even a child is known by his actions, by whether his conduct is pure and right.”
  • Psalm 37:23-24 – “The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.”

Scriptures about Fathers and Justice

  • Micah 6:8 – “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
  • Deuteronomy 16:20 – “Follow justice and justice alone, so that you may live and possess the land the Lord your God is giving you.”
  • Proverbs 21:3 – “To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.”
  • Isaiah 1:17 – “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.”
  • Jeremiah 22:3 – “This is what the Lord says: Do what is just and right. Rescue from the hand of the oppressor the one who has been robbed. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place.”
  • Psalm 82:3 – “Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.”
  • Zechariah 7:9-10 – “This is what the Lord Almighty said: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil against each other.’”
  • Proverbs 29:7 – “The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.”
  • Amos 5:24 – “But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!”
  • Leviticus 19:15 – “Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly.”

Scriptures about Fathers and Encouragement

  • Hebrews 3:13 – “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.”
  • 2 Timothy 2:1 – “You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.”
  • Philippians 2:1-2 – “Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.”
  • Acts 20:35 – “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
  • Romans 12:8 – “If it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.”
  • Colossians 4:8 – “I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts.”
  • 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 – “May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.”
  • Hebrews 10:24-25 – “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
  • Proverbs 27:17 – “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”

Scriptures about Fathers and Teaching

  • Deuteronomy 6:6-9 – “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.”
  • Proverbs 4:11-12 – “I instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble.”
  • Deuteronomy 11:18-19 – “Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”
  • Proverbs 1:8 – “Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.”
  • Psalm 78:5-6 – “He decreed statutes for Jacob and established the law in Israel, which he commanded our ancestors to teach their children, so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children.”
  • Proverbs 6:20-22 – “My son, keep your father’s command and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. Bind them always on your heart; fasten them around your neck. When you walk, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you.”
  • 2 Timothy 3:16-17 – “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
  • Proverbs 3:1-2 – “My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity.”

Scriptures about Fathers and Compassion

  • Psalm 103:13 – “As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him.”
  • Ephesians 4:32 – “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
  • Colossians 3:12-13 – “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
  • 1 Peter 3:8 – “Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.”
  • 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 – “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”
  • Psalm 145:8-9 – “The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.”
  • Malachi 3:17 – “‘On the day when I act,’ says the Lord Almighty, ‘they will be my treasured possession. I will spare them, just as a father has compassion and spares his son who serves him.’”
  • Lamentations 3:22-23 – “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
  • James 5:11 – “As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.”

Scriptures about Fathers and Integrity

  • Proverbs 10:9 – “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.”
  • Proverbs 11:3 – “The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.”
  • Proverbs 20:7 – “The righteous who walks in his integrity—blessed are his children after him!”
  • Job 1:1 – “There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job; and that man was blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil.”
  • Psalm 37:18-19 – “The LORD knows the days of the blameless, and their inheritance will be forever; they will not be put to shame in the time of evil, and in the days of famine they will have abundance.”
  • Proverbs 19:1 – “Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity than one who is crooked in speech and is a fool.”
  • Titus 2:7 – “Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity,”
  • 1 Peter 2:12 – “Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.”
  • Psalm 25:21 – “May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope, LORD, is in you.”
  • Proverbs 28:6 – “Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man who is crooked in his ways.”

Scriptures about Fathers and Gratitude

  • Colossians 3:15-17 – “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
  • Ephesians 5:20 – “Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,”
  • Philippians 4:6 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
  • Colossians 2:6-7 – “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”
  • Psalm 100:4-5 – “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.”
  • James 1:17 – “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”
  • 2 Corinthians 9:15 – “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!”
  • Psalm 107:1 – “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.”
  • 1 Chronicles 16:34 – “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.”

Scriptures about Fathers and Responsibility

  • 1 Timothy 5:8 – “But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”
  • Ephesians 5:25-28 – “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.”
  • Proverbs 13:22 – “A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children, but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous.”
  • 2 Corinthians 12:14 – “Now I am ready to visit you for the third time, and I will not be a burden to you, because what I want is not your possessions but you. After all, children should not have to save up for their parents, but parents for their children.”
  • Proverbs 27:23-24 – “Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds; for riches do not endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all generations.”
  • Exodus 20:12 – “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.”
  • Deuteronomy 4:9 – “Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.”

Scriptures about Fathers and Generosity

  • 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 – “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
  • Proverbs 11:25 – “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”
  • Luke 11:13 – “If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
  • Proverbs 19:17 – “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done.”
  • Matthew 7:11 – “If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!”
  • Luke 6:38 – “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
  • Proverbs 22:9 – “The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.”
  • 1 Timothy 6:17-19 – “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.”
  • Proverbs 14:31 – “Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.”

Scriptures about Fathers and Forgiveness

  • Matthew 6:14-15 – “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
  • Luke 17:3-4 – “So watch yourselves. If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.”
  • Ephesians 4:31-32 – “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
  • Colossians 3:13 – “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
  • Matthew 18:21-22 – “Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.'”
  • Luke 15:11-32 – The Parable of the Prodigal Son, highlighting the father’s forgiveness and welcome of his returning son.
  • Psalm 103:8-12 – “The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.”
  • James 5:15-16 – “And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
  • 1 John 1:9 – “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
  • 2 Corinthians 2:7-8 – “Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him.”

Scriptures about Fathers and Prayer

  • Luke 11:1-4 – “One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.'”
  • James 5:16 – “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
  • Philippians 4:6-7 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
  • Colossians 4:2 – “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”
  • Ephesians 6:18 – “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”
  • Matthew 26:41 – “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
  • Jeremiah 29:12 – “Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.”
  • Psalm 145:18 – “The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.”
  • Mark 11:24 – “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”

Conclusion

As we reflect on these 145 Scriptures about fathers, we see the deep impact and vital responsibility of fatherhood. These verses encourage fathers to lead with courage and love, providing wisdom that strengthens families and binds generations. May these verses guide and inspire fathers everywhere as they nurture and shape the lives of their loved ones.

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