Honor is a virtue that often seems forgotten in today’s society. However, the Bible has a wealth of teachings on the importance of honoring God, others, and ourselves. Delve into the scriptures that emphasize honor as a way to live with integrity, respect, and humility.
These verses will guide you on the path to becoming a person of honor, both in your relationships and in your daily life.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Friendship And Love
Bible Verses About Honor
Psalm 29:2
“Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness.”
This verse highlights the importance of honoring and giving glory to God. As believers, we are called to recognize and acknowledge the greatness and holiness of God and to worship Him with reverence and awe.
Proverbs 3:9
“Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops.”
Here, we are reminded to honor God with our material possessions. It is a call to give generously and sacrificially, offering the first and best of what we have to God, recognizing that everything we have comes from Him.
1 Timothy 5:17
“The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.”
This verse emphasizes the need to honor and respect those who have been appointed as leaders in the church. It teaches that those who faithfully serve and teach God’s word should be accorded with special honor and recognition.
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.”
In this verse, we are commanded to honor our parents. This includes respecting and obeying them, recognizing the authority and wisdom they carry. By honoring our parents, we not only demonstrate love and gratitude towards them but also align ourselves with God’s plan for our lives.
Matthew 6:2
“So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.”
This verse teaches us about the importance of honoring God with our acts of charity and giving. It reminds us that our giving should be done with a pure heart and not for the purpose of seeking recognition or honor from others.
1 Peter 2:17
“Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.”
In this verse, we are called to honor and respect all individuals, regardless of their social status or position. This includes showing love and support to fellow believers, as well as honoring those in authority over us, such as governmental leaders.
Proverbs 15:33
“Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord, and humility comes before honor.”
This verse reminds us that true honor comes from a humble heart that recognizes and fears the Lord. When we submit to God’s wisdom, acknowledging our dependence on Him, we position ourselves to receive His honor and blessings.
John 5:23
“that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father, who sent him.”
Here, Jesus declares that He deserves the same honor and reverence as the Father. As believers, we are called to honor and worship Jesus as the Son of God, fully recognizing His divinity and the authority vested in Him by the Father.
Proverbs 18:12
“Before a downfall the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.”
This verse highlights the relationship between humility and honor. It teaches us that pride and arrogance lead to destruction, while humility cultivates an atmosphere where honor can flourish.
1 Samuel 2:30
“Therefore the Lord, the God of Israel, declares: ‘I promised that members of your family would minister before me forever.’ But now the Lord declares: ‘Far be it from me! Those who honor me I will honor, but those who despise me will be disdained.”
In this verse, we see how God honors those who honor Him. When we sincerely seek to honor God with our lives, actions, and words, He will honor us in return and bless us abundantly.
Leviticus 19:32
“Stand up in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the Lord.”
Here, we are instructed to honor and show respect to the elderly. God values and esteems those with wisdom and experience, and by honoring the elderly, we reflect our reverence for God and His wisdom.
Proverbs 22:4
“Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life.”
This verse reveals the connection between humility, the fear of the Lord, and honor. When we humbly submit ourselves to God and honor Him, He blesses us with riches, honor, and the abundant life He has promised.
Romans 12:10
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
This verse calls us to honor and esteem others above ourselves. It encourages us to demonstrate selflessness and a genuine love for one another, recognizing the inherent worth and value each person possesses.
1 Corinthians 12:23
“And the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty.”
Here, we are reminded to treat all members of the body of Christ with honor and respect, regardless of their perceived importance or position. Every individual has a vital role to play in the Kingdom of God, and all should be honored accordingly.
2 Timothy 2:20
“In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use.”
This verse teaches us that even within the body of Christ, there are different roles and purposes. It reminds us that all members, regardless of their function, should be treated with honor and respect for their contributions to the overall mission.
Romans 13:7
“Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.”
Here, we are instructed to give honor to whom honor is due. This includes honoring and respecting those in positions of authority, as well as fulfilling our obligations and responsibilities in society.
Proverbs 20:3
“It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.”
This verse highlights the importance of avoiding unnecessary conflict and strife. It teaches us that true honor lies in seeking peace, displaying wisdom, and striving to maintain harmonious relationships with others.
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.”
Here, we are reminded of the commandment to honor our parents. This verse also reveals that honoring our parents comes with a promise from God – a promise of well-being and longevity.
1 Timothy 6:1
“All who are under the yoke of slavery should consider their masters worthy of full respect, so that God’s name and our teaching may not be slandered.”
This verse instructs believers who find themselves in positions of servitude to honor their masters. It reminds us that by showing respect and honoring those in authority, we reflect the character of God and uphold the integrity of our faith.
Romans 13:1
“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.”
Here, we are called to honor and obey the governing authorities. This verse teaches us that earthly authorities, even if flawed, have been established by God, and our submission to them reflects our honor towards God’s established order.
1 Peter 2:13
“Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority,”
This verse further emphasizes the importance of submitting to human authority. It calls us to honor those in positions of leadership, recognizing their authority and allowing God to work through them for His purposes.
Romans 12:17
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.”
This verse encourages us to honor others by responding to evil with good. Rather than seeking revenge or harboring bitterness, we are called to act with integrity and righteousness, displaying honorable behavior that reflects the character of Christ.
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.”
Here, we are reminded of our responsibility as believers to set a good example for others. By living with integrity and speaking truthfully, we honor God and present a compelling witness to the world, ensuring that our opponents cannot discredit our faith.
Hebrews 13:1-2
“Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.”
This verse encourages us to honor others by showing hospitality and kindness, especially to strangers. It reminds us that through our acts of love and generosity, we have the opportunity to honor God and impact the lives of others.
1 Corinthians 4:10
“We are fools for Christ, but you are so wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are honored, we are dishonored!”
In this verse, Paul acknowledges that as followers of Christ, we may be viewed as foolish or dishonored by the world. However, in our willingness to embrace this perceived dishonor, we honor Christ and demonstrate our commitment to His truth.
Philippians 2:29
“So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him”
In this verse, we are called to honor and recognize those who have faithfully served in the Lord’s work. By acknowledging their contributions and showing appreciation for their labor, we elevate their worth and reflect the honor of Christ.
Colossians 3:17
“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.”
This verse instructs us to honor God in all that we do. It reminds us that honoring God involves aligning our thoughts, words, and actions with His will, bringing glory to His name and expressing gratitude for His loving provision.
Proverbs 3:35
“The wise inherit honor, but fools get only shame.”
Here, we are reminded that honor is bestowed upon those who walk wisely and live according to God’s principles. Conversely, those who reject wisdom and choose foolishness will only experience shame and dishonor.
Matthew 22:21
“So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”
This verse reveals the importance of honoring our obligations and responsibilities, both to earthly authorities and to God. It teaches us to give each their due respect and honor, recognizing their respective roles in our lives.
Proverbs 25:27
“It is not good to eat too much honey, nor is it honorable to search out matters that are too deep.”
This verse conveys the importance of exercising wisdom in our speech and actions. It warns against becoming overly curious or delving into areas that might dishonor God or disrupt the peace and unity of the body of Christ.
Psalm 66:2
“Sing the glory of his name; make his praise glorious.”
This verse encourages us to honor and glorify God through our worship and praise. By lifting up His name in adoration and declaring His greatness, we demonstrate our deep reverence and appreciation for the One who deserves all honor and glory.
What Does the Bible Say About Honor?
In the Bible, the concept of honor is a recurring theme that carries deep significance for us as believers. Honor is often associated with respect, reverence, and recognition of the worth of individuals, including both God and our fellow human beings.
Honoring God
The Bible instructs us to honor God above all else. This means acknowledging His supreme authority and giving Him the reverence and worship He deserves. In the Old Testament, the Ten Commandments explicitly command us to “honor your father and mother,” which can also be seen as a reflection of our honor and obedience to God, our Heavenly Father.
Honoring Authorities
We are called to honor those in positions of authority, such as government leaders and rulers. Romans 13:1-2 (NIV) states, “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.” This teaches us to honor the God-given order and to pray for our leaders.
Honoring Parents
Throughout the Bible, there is an emphasis on honoring our parents. Exodus 20:12 (NIV) says, “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” This commandment highlights the importance of showing respect and care for our parents.
Honoring One Another
The Bible also calls us to honor one another within the Christian community and in our interactions with others. Romans 12:10 (NIV) tells us to “be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” This means considering the needs and well-being of others before our own and treating each other with respect.
Honoring in Marriage
In the context of marriage, Ephesians 5:33 (NIV) provides guidance: “However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.” Mutual respect and honor are fundamental in a marital relationship.
The Ultimate Honor – Jesus Christ
Ultimately, the Bible teaches us that the highest honor we can give is to Jesus Christ. Philippians 2:9-11 (NIV) states, “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
In summary, the Bible places great importance on the concept of honor. It encourages us to honor God, those in authority, our parents, one another, and our spouses. By doing so, we reflect the values and principles of our faith, showing love, respect, and reverence in our relationships and interactions with others.