In today’s world, disrespect can feel all too common. Whether it’s in personal relationships or public life, it can leave lasting wounds. But what does the Bible have to say about dealing with disrespect? Is there guidance for how we should respond to those who wrong us or treat us poorly? Let’s see what Scripture says about handling disrespect with grace.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About tarot
What Does The Bible Say About disrespect
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 emphasizes the importance of respecting and honoring our parents. When we show disrespect towards our parents, we undermine God’s commandment and hinder the blessings that come with honoring them. Respecting our parents is not only a commandment but also a pathway to experiencing God’s favor and a long, fulfilling life.
Proverbs 30:17
“The eye that mocks a father and scorns to obey a mother will be picked out by the ravens of the valley and eaten by the vultures.”
This verse reveals the severe consequences of disrespecting and mocking our parents. It illustrates the gravity of disrespect, going as far as predicting a gruesome fate for those who scorn their parents. It serves as a warning of the seriousness of disrespect and the need to honor and obey our parents.
Leviticus 19:3
“Every one of you shall revere his mother and his father, and you shall keep my Sabbaths: I am the Lord your God.”
In this verse, God commands His people to hold their parents in high regard and honor them. Reverence for our parents should be accompanied by obedience to God’s commandments, including observing the Sabbath. By honoring our parents and obeying God’s instructions, we show our reverence for God Himself.
Matthew 5:22
“But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.”
This verse highlights the importance of treating others with respect and avoiding derogatory language. Disparaging or insulting others, even in anger, jeopardizes our relationship with God and can lead to severe consequences. It reminds us to be cautious with our words and to show respect towards others, even in moments of frustration.
Colossians 3:20
“Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.”
This verse instructs children to submit to their parents’ authority and obey them in every aspect of life. By doing so, children honor both their parents and God. Obedience to parents is seen as an act of pleasing the Lord and is essential in maintaining a harmonious and respectful family dynamic.
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.”
In these verses, parents’ guidance and teachings are likened to valuable adornments that bring honor and beauty. By listening to and respecting our parents’ instructions, we gain wisdom and understanding. It highlights the significance of valuing parental wisdom and embracing their teachings as precious treasures.
Exodus 21:15
“Whoever strikes his father or his mother shall be put to death.”
This verse demonstrates the gravity of physical violence or harm towards parents. It reveals God’s detest for such actions and provides a severe punishment for those who would dare to attack their own parents. It serves as a reminder of the commandment to honor and respect our parents with both our words and actions.
1 Peter 2:17
“Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.”
This verse calls for a general attitude of respect towards all people. It emphasizes the importance of honoring not just our parents but also everyone around us. Showing respect and honor to others, including those in positions of authority, is viewed as an expression of our reverence for God and our love for fellow believers.
Proverbs 13:1
“A wise son heeds his father’s instruction, but a mocker does not respond to rebukes.”
This verse highlights the correlation between wisdom and humility in receiving parental guidance. A wise child listens and responds to their father’s instruction, while a mocker, filled with disrespect and arrogance, disregards rebukes. It reminds us of the importance of humility and the value of heeding wise counsel.
Titus 3:1-2
“Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.”
This verse instructs believers to show respect and obedience not only to parents but also to rulers and authorities. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining a respectful and peaceable demeanor towards everyone. The call to be gentle, considerate, and slander no one reflects the character of Christ and demonstrates love towards others.
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.”
Similar to the verse from Ephesians, this passage highlights the connection between honoring parents and receiving God’s blessings, including a long and prosperous life in the Promised Land. It reminds us that honoring our parents brings about blessings not only for ourselves but also for future generations.
Proverbs 20:20
“If someone curses their father or mother, their lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness.”
This verse portrays the consequences of cursing or speaking ill of one’s parents. It warns of spiritual darkness and the extinguishing of one’s light, signifying the loss of God’s favor and guidance. It serves as a reminder of the importance of speaking words of respect and honor towards our 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 highlights the commandment given by Moses to honor parents and the severity of cursing or disrespecting them. It serves as a reminder that God takes disrespect towards parents seriously and emphasizes the significance of honoring them as part of our obedience to His commandments.
Proverbs 23:22
“Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.”
In this verse, children are instructed not to despise or show contempt towards their aging mothers. It recognizes the role of parents in bringing life into the world and calls for a continued respectful attitude towards them, even as they age. It serves as a reminder to value our parents’ wisdom and contributions throughout their lives.
Colossians 3:21
“Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.”
This verse addresses parents, specifically fathers, warning against causing bitterness or discouragement in their children. It emphasizes the need for parents to lead with love, understanding, and respect. By creating an environment of honor and encouragement, parents can nurture their children’s growth and well-being.
Proverbs 15:20
“A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother.”
This verse contrasts the impact of a wise child who brings joy to their father and a foolish person who despises their mother. It highlights the negative consequences of disrespecting or belittling one’s parents and underscores the importance of honoring them with wise and respectful behavior.
Proverbs 30:11
“There are those who curse their fathers and do not bless their mothers.”
This verse denounces the act of cursing or denigrating one’s father while failing to bless or honor their mother. It cautions against such disrespectful behavior and prompts us to consider the importance of showing equal respect and honor to both parents.
Matthew 15:4
“For God said, ‘Honor your father and mother’ and ‘Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death.'”
Here, Jesus affirms the commandment to honor parents and reiterates the grave consequence of cursing or showing disrespect towards them. His words emphasize the enduring significance of honoring our parents and the importance of obedience to God’s commandments.
Proverbs 19:26
“Whoever robs their father and drives out their mother is a child who brings shame and disgrace.”
This verse identifies the dishonorable act of mistreating or neglecting parents, highlighting the shame and disgrace it brings upon the perpetrator. It serves as a reminder of the responsibility to care for and honor our parents and the negative consequences of failing to do so.
Proverbs 28:24
“Whoever robs their father or mother and says, ‘It’s not wrong,’ is partner to one who destroys.”
This verse condemns the actions of those who defraud or exploit their parents and attempt to justify their wrongdoing. It likens them to accomplices of those who bring destruction, highlighting the moral bankruptcy of such behavior and underscoring the importance of treating our parents with respect, honor, and integrity.
2 Timothy 3:2-3
“People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good.”
In this verse, disobedience to parents is listed among various sinful and ungodly characteristics. It serves as a reminder of the negative influence of disrespect and disobedience towards parents and the importance of cultivating virtuous and godly attitudes in our relationships.
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 father’s commandments and not disregard their mother’s teachings. It underscores the significance of parental guidance and the importance of honoring both father and mother by following their wise instructions.
Proverbs 30:17
“The eye that mocks a father and scorns to obey a mother will be picked out by the ravens of the valley and eaten by the vultures.”
This verse again highlights the dire consequences of mocking and disobeying parents. It vividly portrays a graphic fate that awaits those who show disrespect towards their parents, serving as a powerful reminder of the gravity of dishonoring one’s parents.
Proverbs 17:25
“A foolish son brings grief to his father and bitterness to the mother who bore him.”
This verse depicts the profound emotional impact that a foolish and disrespectful child can have on their parents. It emphasizes the pain and sorrow experienced by parents when their child fails to honor them. It serves as a call to children to consider the weight of their actions and the effect they have on their parents.