Honoring our parents, as set out in the Bible, is one of the most important tasks bestowed upon us. In fact all of God’s commandments start with honoring parents and show their importance to Him.
Today we will explore some popular bible verses referencing this important aspect of life, providing insight into how we should be treating those that care for us and guide us through life.
Honor Your Parents Bible Verses
Honoring our parents is one of the fundamental commandments that God has given us. It is a way of showing gratitude for the sacrifices that they have made for us and the love that they have shown us.
Why We Should Honor Our Parents
As Christians, we are called to treat our parents with respect and gratitude, obeying them as a direct order from God. “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” This fifth commandment found in Exodus 20:12 is more than just a suggestion; it’s a divine directive.
Honoring our parents is an act of love and obedience towards God. It’s also a way to acknowledge the sacrifices our parents have made for us. They give us love, guidance, protection and support, all of which we can be grateful for. Not only does honoring our parents show respect towards them, but it also teaches our children the importance of respecting their elders through leading by example.
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.”
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 23:22
“Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.”
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.’”
Colossians 3:20
“Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.”
Also Read: 25 Bible Verses About God Being in Control (With Commentary)
How to Honor Our Parents
Honoring our parents isn’t always simple, especially if they are hard to get along with. However, there are several ways to show them honor and respect. One way is to obey their requests, provided they do not go against God’s commands. Alongside obedience, we can also show our appreciation by expressing gratitude and saying “thank you” for all they have done for us. Even if a difference in opinion stems from disagreement, we should speak to them with respect and kindness.
We can also honor our parents by spending time with them, taking care of their needs when necessary. This includes helping out with daily tasks, visiting regularly and providing emotional support as needed. It’s important to remember as we age our dependence grows stronger; therefore it becomes our responsibility to care for them in their old age.
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.”
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.”
Leviticus 19:3
“Each of you must respect your mother and father, and you must observe my Sabbaths. I am the Lord your God.”
Proverbs 15:5
“A fool spurns a parent’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence.”
Proverbs 20:20
“If someone curses their father or mother, their lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness.”
Honoring Our Parents in Old Age
As our parents grow older, they may become more vulnerable and require additional support. This can be an overwhelming transition for both parents and their children. However, it’s essential to honor our parents during this time as a way of expressing gratitude for everything they’ve done for us throughout our lives.
Honoring our parents in old age requires patience and understanding on our part. We should actively listen to their concerns and provide emotional support whenever necessary. Besides, we should assist them with daily tasks like cooking, cleaning, and shopping errands. Suppose they need further assistance. In that case, we can also consider hiring a caregiver or exploring various resources available to help them.
It’s crucial to note that honoring parents in old age is not solely about taking care of their physical needs. We must also provide them with affection and companionship by spending quality time with them together. It could be playing games with them or having meaningful conversations while sharing some Bible verses to rejuvenate their souls.
By honoring our aging parents in this way, we can show how much we love and appreciate them despite the challenges that may arise along with the responsibility.
Proverbs 23:24
“The father of a righteous child has great joy; a man who fathers a wise son rejoices in him.”
1 Timothy 5:4
“But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God.”
Proverbs 23:25
“May your father and mother rejoice; may she who gave you birth be joyful!”
Matthew 15:5-6
“But you say that if anyone declares that what might have been used to help their father or mother is ‘devoted to God,’ they are not to ‘honor their father or mother’ with it. Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition.”
1 Timothy 5:8
“Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”
Examples of Honoring Parents in the Bible
In the Bible, there are a lot of examples about the importance of honoring parents. One instance is the famous story of Joseph in Genesis chapter 47:11-12. When his father, Jacob, and brothers were in a famine-stricken Egypt, Joseph veered to their aid and made sure they had somewhere safe to stay and live comfortably. Joseph’s father was well-cared for as well.
Another noteworthy example is that of Ruth, in Ruth 1:16-17. Upon her husband’s tragic death, Ruth didn’t leave her mother-in-law Naomi’s side and cared for her during that period despite difficult situations. She showed Naomi- kindness and loyalty which earned her respect for life.
Jesus also highlighted the significance of honoring parents in John 19:25-27, when he asked His disciple John to take care of his mother Mary as he hung on the cross.
These stories from the Bible teach us that honoring our parents is an imperative commandment aka “honor thy father and mother.” It’s a significant way to show appreciation & gratitude towards those who raised us. Honoring them may be through providing them with good provisions, spending quality time with them or simply extending kindness and respect towards them.
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.”
Mark 7:9-13
“And he continued, “You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions! For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and mother,’ and, ‘Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death.’ But you say that if anyone declares that what might have been used to help their father or mother is Corban (that is, devoted to God)— then you no longer let them do anything for their father or mother. Thus you nullify the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And you do many things like that.”
Ruth 1:16-17
“But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.”
Genesis 28:6-7
“Now Esau learned that Isaac had blessed Jacob and had sent him to Paddan Aram to take a wife from there, and that when he blessed him he commanded him, “Do not marry a Canaanite woman,” and that Jacob had obeyed his father and mother and had gone to Paddan Aram.”
Luke 2:51
“Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart.”
Also Read: 25 Bible Verses About Conscience (With Commentary)
Final Thoughts
The act of honoring our parents is multifaceted and includes treating them with respect, acknowledging their contribution in our lives and obeying them. It is not merely a suggestion but an explicit directive from God. We can honor our parents by being obedient to their wisdom, expressing thankfulness for their care, demonstrating kindness and respect in communication, setting aside time to spend with them and attending to their needs during old age. The Bible offers guidance on how to honor parents through stories that inspire us to display affection and esteem towards our own parents.