Honoring parents is a commandment with rich rewards, reflecting gratitude and respect for their sacrificial love. Here are verses that affirm the importance of honoring parents, embodying love, obedience, and honor in family relationships.
Bible Verses About Honoring Parents
Exodus 20:12 – Honoring parents is a commandment from God
“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.”
Ephesians 6:2-3 – There is a promise attached to honoring parents
“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.”
Colossians 3:20 – Pleasing God involves obeying our parents
“Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.”
Proverbs 1:8 – Listening to parents leads to wisdom
“Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.”
Proverbs 22:6 – Training from parents shapes our future
“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”
Proverbs 23:22 – Our parents hold valuable wisdom
“Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.”
Matthew 15:4 – Disobedience to parents is serious
“For God said, ‘Honor your father and mother’ and ‘Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death.’
1 Timothy 5:4 – Caring for parents is a duty
“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.”
Proverbs 30:17 – There are consequences for dishonoring parents
“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.”
Deuteronomy 5:16 – Honoring parents leads to blessings
“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.”
Proverbs 4:1-2 – Parents offer valuable lessons
“Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding. I give you sound learning, so do not forsake my teaching.”
Luke 2:51 – Even Jesus honored His earthly parents
“Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart.”
Proverbs 19:26 – Treating parents well is a sign of wisdom
“Whoever robs their father and drives out their mother is a child who brings shame and disgrace.”
Malachi 1:6 – Honor is displayed through our actions
“A son honors his father, and a slave honors his master. If I am a father, where is the honor due me? says the Lord Almighty.”
1 Corinthians 7:14 – Family faith can impact others
“For the unbelieving husband has been sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife has been sanctified through her believing husband. Otherwise, your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy.”
Matthew 19:19 – Jesus reminds us of the command to honor
“Honor your father and mother, and love your neighbor as yourself.”
Hebrews 12:9 – Listen to those who guide us
“Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live!”
Acts 2:17 – God’s promise to families
“‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.”
Romans 13:1 – Authority includes parents
“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.”
1 Peter 2:17 – Respecting authority involves honoring parents
“Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.”
Proverbs 15:20 – A wise child brings joy to their parents
“A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother.”
Proverbs 27:11 – A child’s wisdom brings pride to parents
“Be wise, my son, and bring joy to my heart; then I can answer anyone who treats me with contempt.”
Psalm 127:3 – Children are a heritage from the Lord
“Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.”
Proverbs 20:20 – Dishonoring parents leads to darkness
“If someone curses their father or mother, their lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness.”
Proverbs 31:1 – A mother’s wisdom is invaluable
“The sayings of King Lemuel—an inspired utterance his mother taught him.”
Proverbs 3:1-2 – Remembering our parents leads to a fruitful life
“My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity.”
Psalm 78:4 – Teachings of parents should be shared
“We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done.”
Isaiah 45:22 – Knowing the Lord reflects our understanding of family
“Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other.”
Philippians 4:8 – Meditate on what is honorable, including family
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
1 John 3:18 – Love for parents must be shown in action
“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”
James 1:19 – Listening to parental wisdom is essential
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”
Also Read: Bible Verses About Memories
What Does the Bible Say About Honoring Parents
When we explore the teachings of the Bible about honoring parents, we find a wealth of wisdom, guidance, and even imperatives on this important subject. This concept is not just a one-off mention but is intricately woven throughout the Scriptures, emphasizing its significance.
From the very beginning of the Bible, in the Ten Commandments given to Moses, we see a clear directive: “Honor your father and your mother.” This commandment holds a unique place, bridging the commandments that primarily concern our relationship with God and those that address our relationships with others. It establishes a foundational principle for how we are to treat our parents and, by extension, all authority figures in our lives.
But what does it mean to honor our parents? The Bible provides further insights. To honor them means to respect, love, and care for them. It’s not just about obeying them in our younger years but also about ensuring they are cherished and supported throughout their lives. We see this echoed in the wisdom literature, particularly in Proverbs, where respecting parental guidance is often equated with wisdom itself.
In the New Testament, Jesus and the apostles reiterate this command. Jesus criticizes those who use religious excuses to neglect their parents’ needs, highlighting that honoring one’s parents involves practical and sometimes sacrificial actions. Paul, in his letters, emphasizes that obeying parents is right and pleasing to the Lord, framing it as a fundamental aspect of righteous living.
Additionally, the concept of honoring parents is tied to promises and consequences. The commandment to honor one’s parents comes with the promise of well-being and longevity in the land God provides. This illustrates that honoring our parents is not just about duty but aligns with a life of blessing and fulfillment.
Overall, the Bible points us toward a life that respects and values the relationship with our parents. It encourages us to give them the honor they are due, understanding that this act of respect reflects our obedience to God and contributes to a harmonious life.