Foundational Command: Honoring Parents

These verses establish the commandment as a lifelong principle of faith and blessing.

Exodus 20:12

> “Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.”

Deuteronomy 5:16

> “Honour thy father and thy mother, as the Lord thy God hath commanded thee; that thy days may be prolonged, and that it may go well with thee.”

Insight:
This is the fifth of the Ten Commandments and the first that deals with human relationships. It connects obedience and respect for parents to God’s promise of longevity and peace.

2. Honoring Parents in Childhood — Obedience and Respect

These verses emphasize listening, learning, and obeying.

Proverbs 1:8–9

> “My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.”

Ephesians 6:1–3

> “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother… That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.”

Colossians 3:20

> “Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.”

Insight:
Obedience in youth lays the foundation for godly character. The obedience is “in the Lord” — meaning it aligns with God’s will and righteousness.

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3. Honoring Parents in Adulthood — Respect, Gratitude, and Care

Even when we grow up, the duty to honor continues in new ways.

Proverbs 23:22

> “Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old.”

1 Timothy 5:4

“But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to show piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God.”

John 19:26–27

> “When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.”

Insight:
Even from the cross, Jesus ensured His mother was cared for — a model of honor through action. Adult children are called not only to respect but to provide and care for their parents as an act of faithfulness.

4. Honoring Parents Spiritually — Living in a Way That Reflects Them Well

Our lives can either honor or dishonor our parents by our choices.

Proverbs 10:1

> “A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.”

 Proverbs 15:20

> “A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother.”

Insight:
Honoring parents includes living with wisdom, integrity, and humility — making choices that reflect gratitude for the upbringing and values they instilled.

— 5. Teaching the Next Generation to Honor Parents

Parents are also instructed to model and teach this principle.

Deuteronomy 6:6–7

> “And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children…”

Proverbs 22:6

> “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

 Insight:
Parents must intentionally teach and demonstrate honor and respect, both toward their own elders and through consistent spiritual example.

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❤️ 6. The Blessing of Honoring Parents

Honoring father and mother is not just duty — it’s a promise of blessing.

Ephesians 6:2–3

> “Honour thy father and mother… That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.”

Insight:
God connects honor to prosperity, peace, and longevity. The principle shows that families built on love and respect bring stability to society.

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Verses supplied by ChatGPT / SH