Parents play a crucial role in guiding their children, but what happens when parents are wrong? The Bible offers wisdom on honoring parents while also standing for truth and justice. What should children do when they find themselves at odds with their parents’ decisions or actions?
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Forgiveness In Marriage
What Does The Bible Say About Parents Being Wrong
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 obeying and honoring our parents, recognizing that it is the right thing to do. It highlights the significance of honoring one’s father and mother as a commandment with a promise of blessings and long life.
While parents may sometimes make mistakes or be wrong in their decisions, this verse reminds children that their responsibility is to honor and follow their parents’ authority in obedience and respect, trusting that God will bless their actions.
Colossians 3:20
“Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.”
This verse echoes the call for children to obey their parents in everything, recognizing that such obedience not only pleases their parents but also pleases the Lord. It highlights the connection between honoring parents and living a life that pleases God.
Even when parents may be wrong, children are called to approach the situation with humility and submission to their parents’ authority. By doing so, they demonstrate their faithfulness to God and their understanding of His ordained order.
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 emphasizes the importance of listening to a father’s instruction and not forsaking a mother’s teaching. It emphasizes the value and beauty that comes from receiving guidance and wisdom from parents.
Even if parents make mistakes, children are encouraged to open their hearts to the wisdom and guidance offered by their parents. In doing so, they can benefit from the lessons learned and grow in their own understanding.
Proverbs 23:22
“Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.”
This verse reminds children of the significance of listening to their father, the one who gave them life, and not despising their mother, especially as she grows older. It acknowledges the parent-child relationship and the need for respect and care.
Even if parents make mistakes or are wrong at times, children are called to show love, compassion, and honor to their parents throughout their lives, recognizing their unique role in their upbringing and the sacrifices they have made.
Proverbs 6:20-22
“My son, keep your father’s command and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. Bind them always on your heart; fasten them around your neck. When you walk, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of keeping a father’s command and not forsaking a mother’s teaching. It encourages children to internalize the guidance and wisdom provided by their parents, allowing it to shape their character and guide their actions.
Even if parents make mistakes or are wrong, children are called to recognize the wisdom and guidance they offer. By treasuring their parents’ instructions in their hearts, children can navigate life with the counsel that will provide direction and protection.
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 outlines the command for each person to respect their mother and father, emphasizing the importance of honoring parental authority. It also reminds individuals to observe the Lord’s Sabbaths, recognizing both earthly and heavenly authorities.
Even if parents make mistakes or are wrong, this verse calls for an attitude of respect towards them. It demonstrates the balance between honoring parental authority and obedience to God’s commandments.
Proverbs 15:20
“A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother.”
This verse highlights the joy that comes when a child acts wisely and brings happiness to their father. Conversely, it warns against the foolishness of despising one’s mother, acknowledging the importance of respecting both parents.
Even when parents may be wrong or make mistakes, children are called to display wisdom in their attitudes and actions. By showing respect and honor, they contribute to a healthy and harmonious family dynamic.
Proverbs 19:26
“Whoever robs their father and drives out their mother is a child who brings shame and disgrace.”
This verse highlights the shameful and disgraceful nature of a child who mistreats their parents, specifically by robbing their father and driving out their mother. It underscores the importance of treating parents with love and respect.
Even if parents make mistakes or are wrong, children are called to demonstrate integrity and care in their relationships with them. By upholding their parents’ honor, children reflect their own character and values.
Proverbs 20:20
“If someone curses their father or mother, their lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness.”
This verse warns of the consequences that follow when someone curses their father or mother. It symbolizes the extinguishing of their lamp, representing the loss of guidance, blessings, and favor.
Even when parents may be wrong or make mistakes, children are called to refrain from cursing or disrespecting their parents. They are to honor their parents and trust God with their situations, knowing that He is the ultimate judge.
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 repeats the commandment to honor one’s father and mother, emphasizing the promise of living long in the land given by the Lord. It highlights the connection between honoring parents and experiencing God’s blessings.
Even if parents make mistakes or are wrong, children are called to honor them as a way of honoring God. This verse reveals that honoring parents is crucial to experiencing the fullness of life promised by God.
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 metaphorically depicts the severe consequences of mocking a father or scorning an aged mother. It emphasizes the importance of treating parents with respect and warns against the consequences of disrespect.
Even when parents may be wrong or make mistakes, children are called to refrain from mocking or scorning them. They are to cultivate an attitude of reverence and honor towards their parents, recognizing their position and the wisdom that comes with age.
Proverbs 30:11
“There are those who curse their fathers and do not bless their mothers.”
This verse acknowledges the existence of those who curse their fathers and fail to bless their mothers. It highlights the significance of both verbal and non-verbal actions in honoring and respecting parents.
Even if parents make mistakes or are wrong, children are called to be mindful of their words and actions towards them. By choosing to bless and show kindness, they can demonstrate their obedience to God and the value they place on family relationships.
Luke 15:20
“So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.”
This verse tells the story of the prodigal son’s return to his father, highlighting the father’s compassionate and forgiving response. It illustrates the unconditional love and grace that a parent can offer, even in the face of a child’s wrongdoings.
Even if parents are wrong or make mistakes, this verse reminds children of the redemptive power of love and forgiveness. It encourages reconciliation and restoration in relationships, mirroring the example set by the father in the parable.
Proverbs 23:24-25
“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 verse highlights the joy that comes to parents when they have righteous and wise children. It expresses the delight that fathers and mothers experience when their children walk in wisdom and righteousness.
Even if parents are wrong or make mistakes, children have the opportunity to bring joy to their parents’ lives by living according to God’s wisdom. By walking in righteousness, they honor their parents and honor the God who created them.
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 metaphorically depicts the severe consequences of mocking a father or scorning an aged mother. It emphasizes the importance of treating parents with respect and warns against the consequences of disrespect.
Even when parents may be wrong or make mistakes, children are called to refrain from mocking or scorning them. They are to cultivate an attitude of reverence and honor towards their parents, recognizing their position and the wisdom that comes with age.
Proverbs 30:11
“There are those who curse their fathers and do not bless their mothers.”
This verse acknowledges the existence of those who curse their fathers and fail to bless their mothers. It highlights the significance of both verbal and non-verbal actions in honoring and respecting parents.
Even if parents make mistakes or are wrong, children are called to be mindful of their words and actions towards them. By choosing to bless and show kindness, they can demonstrate their obedience to God and the value they place on family relationships.
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 quotes the commandment of Moses, affirming the call to honor one’s father and mother. It also reveals the solemn consequence of cursing one’s parents, reflecting the seriousness of disrespecting them.
Even if parents are wrong or make mistakes, this verse reinforces the importance of treating them with honor and respect. It communicates the gravity of honoring parental authority and the value God places on the family unit.
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.'”
This verse echoes the command to honor one’s father and mother, quoting the words of God. It highlights the divine origin of this commandment and the reverence due to parents.
Even when parents may be wrong or make mistakes, this verse emphasizes the importance of honoring them as a reflection of honoring God. It directs children to approach their parents with love and respect, knowing that their actions have eternal significance.
Proverbs 28:24
“Whoever robs their father or mother and says, ‘It’s not wrong,’ is partner to one who destroys.”
This verse points out the severe consequences of robbing parents while trying to justify the action. It warns against the destructive nature of such behavior, whether physical or emotional.
Even if parents are wrong or make mistakes, children are called to act with integrity and refrain from exploiting their parents. By showing kindness and respect, they acknowledge the worth and dignity of their parents.
Proverbs 1:8
“Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of listening to and not forsaking a father’s instruction and a mother’s teaching. It highlights the wisdom and guidance that parents can offer to their children.
Even if parents are wrong or make mistakes, children are encouraged to embrace the valuable lessons taught by their parents. By being receptive and open to their guidance, children can grow in wisdom and discernment.
Proverbs 20:20
“If someone curses their father or mother, their lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness.”
This verse warns of the consequences that follow when someone curses their father or mother. It symbolizes the extinguishing of their lamp, representing the loss of guidance, blessings, and favor.
Even when parents are wrong or make mistakes, children are called to refrain from cursing or disrespecting their parents. They are to honor their parents and trust God with their situations, knowing that He is the ultimate judge.
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 repeats the commandment to honor one’s father and mother, emphasizing the promise of living long in the land given by the Lord. It highlights the connection between honoring parents and experiencing God’s blessings.
Even if parents are wrong or make mistakes, children are called to honor them as a way of honoring God. This verse reveals that honoring parents is crucial to experiencing the fullness of life promised by God.
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 metaphorically depicts the severe consequences of mocking a father or scorning an aged mother. It emphasizes the importance of treating parents with respect and warns against the consequences of disrespect.
Even when parents are wrong or make mistakes, children are called to refrain from mocking or scorning them. They are to cultivate an attitude of reverence and honor towards their parents, recognizing their position and the wisdom that comes with age.
Proverbs 30:11
“There are those who curse their fathers and do not bless their mothers.”
This verse acknowledges the existence of those who curse their fathers and fail to bless their mothers. It highlights the significance of both verbal and non-verbal actions in honoring and respecting parents.
Even if parents make mistakes or are wrong, children are called to be mindful of their words and actions towards them. By choosing to bless and show kindness, they can demonstrate their obedience to God and the value they place on family relationships.
Proverbs 20:20
“If someone curses their father or mother, their lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness.”
This verse warns of the consequences that follow when someone curses their father or mother. It symbolizes the extinguishing of their lamp, representing the loss of guidance, blessings, and favor.
Even when parents are wrong or make mistakes, children are called to refrain from cursing or disrespecting their parents. They are to honor their parents and trust God with their situations, knowing that He is the ultimate judge.
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 repeats the commandment to honor one’s father and mother, emphasizing the promise of living long in the land given by the Lord. It highlights the connection between honoring parents and experiencing God’s blessings.
Even if parents are wrong or make mistakes, children are called to honor them as a way of honoring God. This verse reveals that honoring parents is crucial to experiencing the fullness of life promised by God.
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 metaphorically depicts the severe consequences of mocking a father or scorning an aged mother. It emphasizes the importance of treating parents with respect and warns against the consequences of disrespect.
Even when parents are wrong or make mistakes, children are called to refrain from mocking or scorning them. They are to cultivate an attitude of reverence and honor towards their parents, recognizing their position and the wisdom that comes with age.
Proverbs 30:11
“There are those who curse their fathers and do not bless their mothers.”
This verse acknowledges the existence of those who curse their fathers and fail to bless their mothers. It highlights the significance of both verbal and non-verbal actions in honoring and respecting parents.
Even if parents make mistakes or are wrong, children are called to be mindful of their words and actions towards them. By choosing to bless and show kindness, they can demonstrate their obedience to God and the value they place on family relationships.
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 repeats the commandment to honor one’s father and mother, emphasizing the promise of living long in the land given by the Lord. It highlights the connection between honoring parents and experiencing God’s blessings.
Even if parents are wrong or make mistakes, children are called to honor them as a way of honoring God. This verse reveals that honoring parents is crucial to experiencing the fullness of life promised by God.
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 metaphorically depicts the severe consequences of mocking a father or scorning an aged mother. It emphasizes the importance of treating parents with respect and warns against the consequences of disrespect.
Even when parents are wrong or make mistakes, children are called to refrain from mocking or scorning them. They are to cultivate an attitude of reverence and honor towards their parents, recognizing their position and the wisdom that comes with age.