Marriage brings changes to family dynamics, but the Bible still emphasizes honoring parents. It provides guidance on balancing loyalty to a spouse while maintaining respect and love for parents.
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What Does The Bible Say About Your Parents After You Get Married
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 emphasizes the importance of honoring our parents, even after we get married. It reminds us to show respect, love, and gratitude to our parents for all they have done for us.
It is a lifelong commandment that does not cease when we enter into a new family through marriage. Honoring our parents not only brings blessings and long life, but it also sets an example for our own children to follow in honoring us as parents in the future.
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 reiterates the commandment from Exodus and emphasizes the promise that comes with honoring our parents. By honoring them, we position ourselves to experience the blessings of a well-lived life and longevity.
Our obedience to this commandment not only brings about personal benefits but also contributes to the overall harmony and health of our families and communities.
Proverbs 23:22
“Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.”
This verse highlights the importance of listening to our parents, regardless of our marital status. It reminds us that they were instrumental in giving us life and imparting wisdom throughout our upbringing.
As our parents age, it is crucial not to dismiss or belittle their wisdom and guidance, but to continue to honor and cherish them. This verse is a call to maintain a loving and respectful relationship with our parents throughout all stages of life.
Colossians 3:20
“Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.”
Even as we enter into marriage, this verse reminds us that obedience to our parents is a way of pleasing the Lord. It calls children, regardless of their age or marital status, to submit to the authority and guidance of their parents.
While our primary allegiance shifts to our spouse, it is still essential to recognize the wisdom and authority of our parents and seek to obey them in all matters that align with God’s will.
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.”
This verse highlights the responsibility we have towards our family members, including our parents. As married individuals, it is crucial to prioritize providing for our own household and making sure our parents’ needs are met.
By neglecting our familial obligations, we not only dishonor our parents but also fail to live out our faith authentically. This verse serves as a reminder to actively care for and support our parents, demonstrating Christ’s love through our actions.
Matthew 15:4-6
“For God 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 ‘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.”
This passage addresses the importance of not neglecting our responsibility to our parents by using religious traditions as an excuse. It exposes the hypocrisy of those who avoid providing for their parents by claiming their resources are devoted to God.
While it is crucial to honor and serve God with our lives and resources, neglecting our familial obligations contradicts the very essence of God’s commandments. This verse calls us to be mindful of our motives and prioritize our parental responsibilities in line with God’s will.
Proverbs 19:26-27
“Whoever robs their father and drives out their mother is a child who brings shame and disgrace. Stop listening to instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge.”
This verse paints a vivid picture of the consequences of mistreating or neglecting our parents. It highlights that actions such as robbing our fathers or driving out our mothers bring shame and disgrace upon us.
By ignoring the wisdom and guidance of our parents, we risk drifting away from the path of knowledge and understanding. This verse serves as a warning against disregarding our parents’ role in our lives and the importance of actively listening to their instruction.
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 and foolish child on their parents. It emphasizes that wise children who honor and respect their parents bring joy and delight to their fathers.
Contrarily, those who display foolishness by despising or disregarding their mothers bring frustration and sorrow. This verse encourages us to be wise and considerate in our actions towards our parents, recognizing the joy and happiness it brings them.
Psalm 127:3-5
“Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court.”
Although this verse does not explicitly mention parents, it highlights the blessing and significance of children in the eyes of the Lord. It reminds us that children are a precious gift and reward from God.
As parents, we are entrusted with the responsibility to raise and nurture our children. This verse encourages us to appreciate and value our role as parents, knowing that our children bring honor and strength to our families.
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 specifically addresses adult children’s responsibility towards their widowed parents and grandparents. It highlights that caring for our own family members is an essential way of putting our faith into practice.
By repaying our parents and grandparents through love, care, and assistance, we demonstrate reverence to God and live out the principles of Christianity. This verse reminds us that our faith should translate into practical acts of kindness and support towards our aging parents.
Proverbs 10:1
“A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son brings grief to his mother.”
This verse provides another perspective on the impact of children’s actions on their parents. It emphasizes that a wise son, through his conduct and choices, brings joy and satisfaction to his father.
Conversely, a foolish son who disregards his responsibilities and disobeys his parents brings grief and anguish to his mother. This verse urges us to consider the profound effect our behavior has on our parents and to strive for wisdom and discernment in our actions.
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 passage celebrates the joy and delight experienced by parents when their children walk in righteousness and wisdom. It emphasizes that a righteous child brings great joy to their father and is a source of rejoicing.
These verses also extend the blessing to the mother, acknowledging the contribution of both parents in the upbringing of their children. It is a call for children to live in a way that brings joy and gladness to their parents.
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 value and importance of parental instruction and guidance. It encourages children to listen attentively to their father’s instruction and not forsake the teachings of their mother.
The metaphor of a garland and a chain symbolizes the honor and adornment that comes from embracing parental wisdom. It serves as a reminder to value and cherish the teachings of our parents as they contribute to our growth and maturity.
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 employs vivid imagery to convey the severe consequences of disrespecting or mocking one’s parents. It underscores the gravity of dishonoring and scorning our aged parents.
By using the imagery of ravens and vultures, it portrays a harsh punishment for such actions. This verse serves as a strong deterrent against disrespecting or mocking our parents and emphasizes the value of treating them with reverence and honor.
Proverbs 17:6
“Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.”
This verse captures the beauty and joy of multi-generational relationships. It depicts grandchildren as a crown of honor for the elderly, symbolizing the delight and fulfillment they bring.
Similarly, it recognizes that parents become a source of pride for their children. This verse highlights the significance of fostering strong relationships between generations and cherishing the bonds between parents and children.
Proverbs 20:20
“If someone curses their father or mother, their lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness.”
This verse carries a severe warning against cursing or speaking ill of one’s parents. It conveys the consequence of such actions by likening it to the extinguishing of one’s lamp in complete darkness.
It serves as a reminder of the importance of honoring and respecting our parents with our words. This verse compels us to exercise restraint and choose our words wisely when it comes to 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 references the commandment from the Old Testament regarding honoring parents. It also includes the severe penalty attached to cursing one’s parents.
While the physical punishment is not applicable, this verse underscores the seriousness with which God regards the honoring of parents. It encourages us to uphold this commandment with utmost reverence and respect.
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.’”
This passage depicts the strong bond and loyalty between Ruth and her mother-in-law, Naomi. It exemplifies the importance of maintaining close relationships with our parents, even after marriage.
Ruth’s commitment extends beyond the typical bounds of a daughter-in-law, as she declares her determination to remain by Naomi’s side till death. This verse serves as an example of the sacrificial love and loyalty we should exhibit towards our parents throughout our lives.
Proverbs 30:11
“There are those who curse their fathers and do not bless their mothers.”
This verse highlights the contrast between cursing one’s father and failing to bless their mother. It recognizes that while some individuals may neglect to honor their parents, others go a step further and curse their fathers.
This verse serves as a cautionary reminder of the importance of actively blessing and speaking positively about our parents. It calls us to actively display gratitude and appreciation for the role our parents play in our lives.
Proverbs 23:22-23
“Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old. Buy the truth and do not sell it — wisdom, instruction, and insight as well.”
This passage echoes the earlier verse in Proverbs 23:22, emphasizing the significance of listening to our fathers and not despising our mothers, particularly as they age.
The second part of the verse urges us to prioritize acquiring and cherishing wisdom, instruction, and insight. This includes the wisdom imparted by our parents. It reminds us of the invaluable worth of truth and wisdom in our lives.
Ephesians 6:1
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.”
This verse specifically addresses children’s obedience to their parents. It emphasizes the importance of obeying our parents, particularly in matters that align with the Lord’s teachings.
Obedience to our parents is not only morally right, but it also reflects our obedience to God. This verse reminds us of our responsibility to honor our parents by following their guidance and instruction.
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 encompasses two essential aspects of a believer’s life – respect for parents and observance of God’s appointed times, specifically the Sabbath.
It emphasizes the need to show reverence and respect towards our parents, while also highlighting the significance of honoring the sacred times designated by God. This verse underscores the intertwining of familial and spiritual obligations in the life of a believer.
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 echoes the severe consequences of mocking and scorning one’s parents. It illustrates the severe judgment that awaits those who disrespect their fathers and scorn their aged mothers.
By utilizing imagery of ravens and vultures, this verse serves as a warning against the gravity of disrespecting and dishonoring our parents. It urges us to choose our actions and words wisely, treating our parents with the utmost love and reverence.