Respect in parent-child relationships goes both ways. Today, we’ll explore what the Bible says about how parents can honor their children and raise them with love, guidance, and godly wisdom.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Speaking The Truth
What Does The Bible Say About Parents Respect Their Child
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 teaches that obeying parents is not just a suggestion, but a commandment from God. When children respect and listen to their parents, it leads to blessings and a flourishing life.
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 this verse, children are encouraged to value the wisdom and guidance of their parents. The father’s instruction and the mother’s teaching are compared to a garland and a chain, symbolizing honor and beauty. When children attentively listen to their parents, they gain wisdom and it brings blessings to their lives.
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 that their parents are the source of life and they should not disregard or disrespect them as they grow older. It emphasizes the importance of showing love, care, and respect to parents, even in their old age. Honoring parents is an act of gratitude and obedience.
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 is one of the Ten Commandments and reemphasizes the command to honor parents. Honoring parents leads to a blessed and prosperous life. It shows that respecting and valuing the authority and wisdom of parents is not only beneficial personally but also brings the favor of God.
Colossians 3:20
“Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.”
Here, children are instructed to obey their parents in all things. Honoring and obeying parents pleases the Lord as it is an act of submission and humility. It demonstrates a heart that desires to follow God’s commandments and aligns with His will.
Proverbs 6:20
“My son, keep your father’s command and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.”
Children are advised to hold on to their father’s commands and not neglect the teachings of their mother. This verse highlights the importance of valuing and upholding the moral and spiritual guidance received from parents. It encourages children to remain faithful to the teachings they have been given.
Proverbs 15:20
“A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother.”
This verse emphasizes how a wise and obedient child brings great joy to their father. On the contrary, despising or disregarding one’s mother is seen as foolishness. It serves as a reminder that children have the power to either bring joy or sorrow to their parents through their actions and attitudes.
Proverbs 30:11
“There are those who curse their fathers and do not bless their mothers.”
This verse warns against the negative behavior of cursing one’s father and not blessing their mother. It highlights the importance of speaking words of blessing and honor towards parents. Children are encouraged to use their words to uplift and appreciate their parents instead of using them to bring harm or disrespect.
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.”
Similar to Exodus 20:12, this verse reiterates the command to honor parents. It also emphasizes that such obedience leads to a long and prosperous life. By honoring parents, children demonstrate their reverence for God’s authority and His desire for healthy family relationships.
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.””
Once again, this verse highlights the command to honor parents and emphasizes the promise of well-being and longevity that comes with it. When children honor their parents, they position themselves to experience the abundant blessings and favor of God in their lives.
Proverbs 20:20
“If someone curses their father or mother, their lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness.”
This verse cautions against the grave consequences of cursing or dishonoring parents. It metaphorically portrays the extinguishing of their lamp, symbolizing the loss of guidance, blessings, and a future filled with darkness. It serves as a stern warning against disrespecting parents.
Proverbs 13:1
“A wise son heeds his father’s instruction, but a mocker does not respond to rebukes.”
This verse contrasts the behavior of a wise child who listens and heeds their father’s instruction with a mocker who refuses to respond to correction and rebukes. It highlights the importance of humility and receptiveness to parental guidance in order to gain wisdom and avoid foolishness.
Proverbs 15:5
“A fool spurns a parent’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence.”
Here, a fool is described as someone who rejects the discipline or correction provided by their parents. Conversely, a wise person demonstrates prudence by attentively listening to and accepting parental correction. This verse encourages children to respond positively to discipline and to recognize it as an avenue for personal growth and maturity.
Proverbs 23:24
“The father of a righteous child has great joy; a man who fathers a wise son rejoices in him.”
The joy of a father who has a righteous and wise child is celebrated in this verse. It signifies the fulfillment and delight experienced by a parent when their child demonstrates wisdom, virtue, and obedience. It highlights the value of a child’s character and how it brings joy to their parents.
Proverbs 30:17
“The eye that mocks a father and despises a mother’s instructions will be pecked out by the ravens of the valley and eaten by the vultures.”
This verse uses strong imagery to illustrate the severe consequences of mocking a father and despising a mother’s instructions. It warns against disrespect and rebellion towards parents, emphasizing that such behavior leads to ruin and destruction.
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 a child who mistreats their parents and brings shame and disgrace upon themselves. It serves as a reminder that children have the responsibility to cherish and support their parents, honoring the role they play in their lives.
Proverbs 30:17
“The eye that mocks a father and despises a mother’s instructions will be pecked out by the ravens of the valley and eaten by the vultures.”
This verse uses strong imagery to illustrate the severe consequences of mocking a father and despising a mother’s instructions. It warns against disrespect and rebellion towards parents, emphasizing that such behavior leads to ruin and destruction.
Leviticus 19:3
“Each of you must respect your mother and father, and you must observe my Sabbaths. I am the Lord your God.”
In this verse, children are instructed to respect both their mother and father. It also emphasizes the importance of observing God’s Sabbaths, showing the correlation between honoring parents and being obedient to God’s commands.
Proverbs 28:24
“Whoever robs their father or mother and says, ‘It’s not wrong,’ is partner to one who destroys.”
This verse exposes the injustice and wickedness of someone who robs their own father or mother and justifies their actions. It likens such a person to one who seeks to bring destruction and harm. It warns against selfishness and dishonoring parents for personal gain.
Proverbs 17:6
“Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.”
This verse acknowledges the reciprocal relationship between generations. It emphasizes that grandchildren bring honor and joy to their grandparents, while parents are a source of pride and admiration for their children. It highlights the value of strong family bonds and the importance of mutual respect and love.
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.’”
In this verse, Jesus affirms the commandment to honor parents and quotes the severity of the consequence for cursing them. Although the physical punishment described is not applicable today, it underscores the gravity and significance of respecting and valuing parents as an integral part of God’s moral code.
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.’”
Similar to Matthew 15:4, this verse reiterates Jesus’ affirmation of the command to honor parents and the severe consequence for cursing them. It reminds us of the timeless importance of honoring parents within the context of God’s moral teachings.
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.”
This verse highlights the responsibility of children and grandchildren to care for their aging parents and grandparents. It connects the act of caring for one’s family to spiritual practice, emphasizing that honoring and providing for parents is an expression of faith that pleases God.
Proverbs 23:25
“May your father and mother rejoice; may she who gave you birth be joyful!”
This verse expresses a heartfelt desire for parents to experience joy and rejoicing in their children. It recognizes the role of both the father and mother and encourages children to bring happiness and delight to their parents through their love, obedience, and gratitude.
Deuteronomy 27:16
“Cursed is anyone who dishonors their father or mother.” Then all the people shall say, “Amen!”
This verse emphasizes the seriousness of dishonoring parents by declaring a curse upon those who do so. It serves as a reminder of the importance of treating parents with respect and dignity. The response of the people, saying “Amen”, further affirms the significance of this commandment.