In what ways can we honor our parents according to biblical teachings? God’s Call to Honor Our Parents “Honor your father and your mother…” (Exodus 20:12). The command is clear, timeless, and non-negotiable. Proverbs 19:26 sharpens the point by showing the tragic opposite: “He who robs his father or drives out his mother is a son who brings shame and disgrace.” (Proverbs 19:26) The verse paints a stark contrast: honoring brings blessing; dishonor brings shame. What Proverbs 19:26 Reveals • Dishonor can be active—“robs his father,” taking what belongs to our parents, whether money, time, or dignity. • Dishonor can be passive—“drives out his mother,” pushing her away through neglect, ridicule, or abandonment. • Either way, the result is “shame and disgrace,” because mistreating parents mocks God’s authority structure (see Proverbs 30:17). Practical Ways to Honor Our Parents 1. Respect their words • Proverbs 1:8-9 urges us to listen to parental instruction. • Even when we are adults, we can still value their counsel, answering with courtesy rather than contempt. 2. Provide for their needs • Jesus rebuked those who used religious excuses to withhold support (Mark 7:9-13). • 1 Timothy 5:4 calls children and grandchildren to “repay their parents.” Caring for them financially or physically honors God. 3. Protect their reputation • Proverbs 17:6 links parental honor with family glory. • Speaking well of them, defending them when slandered, and refusing gossip shields them from “shame and disgrace.” 4. Express affection and gratitude • Proverbs 23:22: “Do not despise your mother when she is old.” • Simple words—“Thank you,” “I love you”—and remembered birthdays, visits, calls, and letters say they still matter. 5. Obey while under their roof • “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.” (Ephesians 6:1-3) • For minors, obedience and cheerful submission are the chief forms of honor. 6. Live wisely • “A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son grief to his mother.” (Proverbs 10:1) • Pursuing holiness, integrity, and responsibility makes parents proud and reflects well on God’s name. 7. Seek reconciliation quickly • Matthew 5:23-24 underscores the urgency of making things right. • Apologize where needed, forgive freely, and refuse long-term estrangement. Driving them out is never an option. Why It Matters to God • Honors His ordained authority structure (Romans 13:1). • Displays gratitude for His providence in giving us life through them. • Serves as a living witness: when families work God’s way, outsiders see the gospel in action (Titus 2:10). Encouragement for Every Season Whether your parents are near or far, easy or difficult, living or aging, you can still honor them—through prayer, respectful speech, practical help, and a life that reflects Christ. By choosing honor, you trade shame and disgrace for blessing and joy, fulfilling both the letter and the spirit of Proverbs 19:26. |
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