Children Quote by John Flavel
“If you neglect to instruct children in the way of holiness, will the devil neglect to instruct them in the way of wickedness? No; if you will not teach them to pray, he will to curse, swear, and lie; if ground be uncultivated, weeds will spring.”
About This Quote
Source Sermon: "The Duty of Parents", 1650, John Flavel on spiritual upbringing
Neglecting spiritual instruction leaves children vulnerable to immoral influences
In simple terms: Failing to teach children holiness invites wickedness
Key Takeaway
Teach children prayer and moral values early
Themes
religion
parenting
morality
spirituality
education
Mood
concerned
hopeful
Type
spiritual
instructional
When to use this quote
- family home
- church Sunday school
- home schooling
- parent‑child discussions
- community outreach
Key Concepts
Sin
devil
cultivation
spiritual neglect
Questions to Reflect On
- How can parents effectively model holiness?
- What practices reinforce moral teachings at home?
A Different Perspective
Children may still be influenced by peers despite parental guidance
![“All the dark, intricate, puzzling providences at which we were sometimes so offended...we shall [one day] see to be to us, as the difficult passage through the wilderness was to Israel, "the right way to the city of habitation".” quote by John Flavel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/58c/john-flavel-4295_christian_all-the-dark-intricate-puzzling-providen_333825.jpg)
