The Bible places great importance on honoring parents as a way to honor God. It warns against disobedience and the harm it causes. Today, we’ll reflect on what Scripture says about respecting parents and the blessings tied to obedience in the family.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Disobedient
What Does The Bible Say About Disobedient To Parents
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.'”
This verse emphasizes the importance of children obeying and honoring their parents. It acknowledges that obedience to parents is not only morally right but also brings blessings and a well-lived life. Children who obey their parents position themselves to receive guidance, protection, and wisdom not only for their immediate circumstances but also for their future.
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.”
This verse encourages children to listen attentively to their parents’ instruction and not to disregard their teaching. The wisdom and guidance imparted by parents are described as precious adornments that beautify and protect the child. By valuing and heeding parental advice, children position themselves to walk in wisdom and make sound decisions throughout their lives.
Colossians 3:20
“Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.”
This verse reinforces the command for children to obey their parents, highlighting that doing so is not only right but also pleasing to God. When children submit to their parents’ authority and follow their guidance, they demonstrate their reverence for God and their willingness to honor Him. By obeying their parents, children align themselves with God’s will and contribute to a harmonious family environment.
Proverbs 30:17
“The eye that mocks a father, that scorns an aged mother, will be pecked out by the ravens of the valley will be eaten by the vultures.”
This verse underscores the seriousness of disrespecting and mocking one’s parents. It vividly portrays the consequences that come from such disobedience, warning that it leads to destruction and judgment. It serves as a reminder to children to treat their parents with honor and reverence, recognizing the authority and wisdom they possess as those who have walked the path of life before them.
Proverbs 6:20
“My son, keep your father’s command and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.”
This verse encourages children to hold fast to their parents’ commands and not to neglect the teachings they receive. By acknowledging the value of parental guidance, children equip themselves with wisdom and understanding necessary to navigate life’s challenges. It emphasizes the importance of cherishing the teachings passed down through generations and acknowledging the role parents play in shaping their children’s character.
Proverbs 15:20
“A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother.”
This verse highlights the different outcomes that arise from wise and foolish choices made by children. It emphasizes the joy and fulfillment experienced by a parent when their child displays wisdom and obeys their guidance. Conversely, it highlights the disrespect and disregard shown by a foolish child who rejects their mother’s authority. It encourages children to make choices that honor and bring joy to their parents.
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.”
This verse reiterates the commandment to honor one’s parents, emphasizing that doing so leads to a long and prosperous life in the promised land. It reminds children to show respect, gratitude, and obedience to their parents, recognizing that it is not only for their own benefit but also aligned with God’s desire for their well-being.
Proverbs 23:22
“Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.”
This verse encourages children to value and listen to their fathers, acknowledging the significant role they play in their lives. It also cautions against neglecting or disrespecting one’s mother, particularly in old age when they may require care and support. It highlights the importance of ongoing honor and love for parents throughout their lives.
Leviticus 19:3
“Each of you must respect your mother and father, and you must observe my Sabbaths. I am the Lord your God.”
This verse combines the command to respect both mother and father with the call to observe God’s Sabbaths. It emphasizes the interconnection between honoring parents and honoring God. By respecting and obeying their parents, children demonstrate their reverence for God and their commitment to following His commandments.
Proverbs 13:1
“A wise son heeds his father’s instruction, but a mocker does not respond to rebukes.”
This verse emphasizes the value of wisdom and the willingness to learn from fathers’ instruction. It contrasts this with the attitude of a mocker who disregards and rejects rebukes. It encourages children to adopt a humble and teachable spirit, recognizing the wisdom and guidance their parents offer in shaping their character and life choices.
Deuteronomy 21:18-21
“If someone has a stubborn and rebellious son who does not obey his father and mother and will not listen to them when they discipline him, his father and mother shall take hold of him and bring him to the elders at the gate of his town… Then all the men of his town are to stone him to death.”
This verse illustrates the severe consequences that result from persistent disobedience and rebellion against parental authority. It portrays the gravity of rejecting parental discipline and highlights the communal responsibility to address such behavior. While this passage represents extreme measures, it serves as a reminder of the importance of honoring and obeying parents.
Proverbs 19:26
“Whoever robs their father and drives out their mother is a child who brings shame and disgrace.”
This verse condemns the actions of individuals who mistreat or neglect their parents. It equates such behavior with shame and disgrace, highlighting the impact it has on both the perpetrator and their family. It serves as a warning against dishonoring and disregarding parental authority, emphasizing the need to act in a way that preserves family unity and dignity.
Deuteronomy 27:16
“Cursed is anyone who dishonors their father or mother.”
This verse pronounces a curse upon those who dishonor their parents, emphasizing the severity of such actions in the eyes of God. It underscores the importance of showing respect and honor towards parents and serves as a warning against the consequences that result from disregarding this commandment.
Proverbs 20:20
“If someone curses their father or mother, their lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness.”
This verse highlights the gravity of cursing or speaking ill of one’s parents. It warns that those who engage in such behavior will face darkness and extinguishing of blessings in their life. It serves as a reminder of the power of words and the need to exercise self-control and respect when addressing and speaking about one’s parents.
Mark 7:10
“For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and mother,’ and, ‘Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death.'”
This verse reminds us that the command to honor parents is not a suggestion but a commandment passed down by Moses. It further reinforces the severity of cursing or speaking ill of one’s parents, drawing attention to the punishment it once carried. It underscores the eternal importance of respecting and honoring parents in the eyes of God.
Proverbs 28:24
“Whoever robs their father or mother and says, ‘It’s not wrong,’ is partner to one who destroys.”
This verse condemns individuals who exploit or take advantage of their parents. It equates such actions with partnering with those who seek to destroy. It serves as a warning against greed, dishonesty, and manipulation towards one’s parents, emphasizing the importance of respecting their rights and welfare.
Luke 18:20
“You know the commandments: ‘You shall not commit adultery, you shall not murder, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, honor your father and mother.'”
This verse reminds us of Jesus’ teachings when asked about keeping the commandments. It places the command to honor parents alongside other foundational moral principles. It reaffirms the enduring nature of the commandment and its importance as a guiding principle for righteous living.
Proverbs 4:1
“Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding.”
This verse underscores the significance of listening and gaining understanding from a father’s instruction. It speaks to the role of fathers in imparting wisdom, knowledge, and guidance to their children. It encourages children to value and actively listen to their fathers, recognizing the invaluable life lessons they have to offer.
Proverbs 20:7
“The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them.”
This verse highlights the connection between righteous living and the blessing upon children. It suggests that parents who live upright and virtuous lives leave a legacy of blessings for their children. It serves as an encouragement for children to honor their righteous parents and appreciate the virtue they exemplify, knowing that it will yield blessings in their own lives.
Proverbs 23:22-25
“Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old. Buy the truth and do not sell it – wisdom, instruction, and insight as well. The father of a righteous child has great joy; a man who fathers a wise son rejoices in him. May your father and mother rejoice; may she who gave you birth be joyful!”
This passage emphasizes the importance of listening to and valuing the wisdom and guidance of parents. It encourages children to embrace truth, wisdom, instruction, and insight. It also depicts the joy experienced by parents when they have righteous and wise children. It serves as a reminder of the joy and fulfillment that come from a healthy and respectful parent-child relationship.
Proverbs 30:11
“There are those who curse their fathers and do not bless their mothers.”
This verse draws attention to the dishonorable behavior of those who curse their fathers and fail to bless their mothers. It highlights the imbalance that exists when children disrespect or disregard one or both parents. It serves as a reminder for children to honor and bless both their father and mother, recognizing the value and love they have received from them.
Deuteronomy 5:16
“Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the Lord your God is giving you.”
This verse reiterates the command to honor parents, pointing to the promise of long life and well-being that comes with obeying this commandment. It reminds children that showing respect and honor to their parents not only aligns with divine instruction but also brings blessings and prosperity in their lives.
Proverbs 30:17
“The eye that mocks a father, that scorns an aged mother, will be pecked out by the ravens of the valley will be eaten by the vultures.”
This verse vividly portrays the consequences of mocking and scorning parents. It warns of the judgment and destruction that come to those who display such disrespect. It serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of treating parents with honor and dignity, both in word and action.
Proverbs 10:1
“A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son brings grief to his mother.”
This verse highlights the contrasting emotions experienced by parents depending on their children’s behavior. It depicts the joy brought to a father by a wise and obedient son, and the grief and sorrow caused by a foolish and rebellious son. It encourages children to make choices that bring joy and pleasure to their parents, knowing the significant impact it has on their well-being.
Ephesians 6:2-3
“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.”
This verse echoes the commandment to honor parents and reaffirms the promise of blessings and long life associated with it. It emphasizes that honoring parents is not just a moral duty but also a matter of personal well-being and longevity. It serves as a reminder for children to hold their parents in high regard and demonstrate their reverence through honor and obedience.
Proverbs 6:20
“My son, keep your father’s command and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.”
This verse highlights the importance of valuing and obeying both a father’s command and a mother’s teaching. It encourages children to cherish and uphold the wisdom passed down by their parents, recognizing the unique contributions each one brings to their upbringing. It serves as a reminder to hold fast to parental guidance as a source of wisdom and understanding.
Exodus 21:15
“Anyone who attacks their father or mother is to be put to death.”
This verse emphasizes the seriousness of physically assaulting or harming one’s parents. It portrays the severe punishment that such actions once carried, highlighting the gravity of disrespect towards parents. While the punishment no longer applies, it underscores the importance of maintaining a spirit of honor and reverence towards parents, refraining from any form of aggression or harm.