What Does the Bible Say About Honoring Parents?

Honoring parents is one of the most prominent commands in Scripture. It is the fifth of the Ten Commandments: 'Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee' (Exodus 20:12). Paul highlights this in Ephesians 6:1-3: 'Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.' Honoring parents involves several layers. For minor children, it includes obedience: 'Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord' (Colossians 3:20). The book of Proverbs is filled with calls to heed parental instruction: 'My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother' (Proverbs 1:8). For all children, including adults, honor includes respect of speech and attitude. 'Cursed be he that setteth light by his father or his mother' (Deuteronomy 27:16). Proverbs 30:17 warns, 'The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out.' Honor also includes practical care for aging parents. Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for inventing 'Corban' loopholes to avoid supporting their parents (Mark 7:9-13). 1 Timothy 5:4 commands, 'But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God.' The exception is when parents demand sin — then we must obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29) — but even then we should speak respectfully. Jesus modeled this command perfectly. From the cross He arranged for John to care for His mother. Honoring parents reflects God's order, blesses families, and trains hearts to honor God Himself, who is the ultimate Father.