Connect Proverbs 31:2 with Ephesians 6:1-3 on honoring parents. Setting the Scene: A Mother’s Plea • Proverbs 31 opens with a king recounting his mother’s words. Verse 2 captures her intense, triple appeal: “What is it, my son? What is it, O son of my womb? What is it, O son of my vows?” (Proverbs 31:2) • Each phrase tightens the bond: – “my son” – relationship by blood. – “son of my womb” – reminder of the pain and sacrifice of childbirth. – “son of my vows” – dedication to God, likely echoing Hannah’s vow in 1 Samuel 1:11. • She is not casually conversing; she is exerting God-given authority, urging him to heed her counsel that follows (vv. 3-9) and, ultimately, the portrait of a virtuous wife (vv. 10-31). Echoed in the New Covenant: Paul’s Charge to Children “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘Honor your father and mother’ (which is the first commandment with a promise), ‘that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life on the earth.’” (Ephesians 6:1-3) • Paul roots the command in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:12). • “Obey” addresses action; “honor” reaches heart-attitude and speech. • The promise of well-being and longevity shows that family order is not merely social etiquette; it is woven into the fabric of God’s blessing. The Common Thread: Honor Strengthens Families • The mother of Proverbs 31 and Paul both assume that parents teach God’s wisdom (cf. Deuteronomy 6:6-7). • Honoring parents: – Acknowledges God’s delegated authority structure (Romans 13:1 parallels). – Trains children in humility and submission—traits essential for discipleship. – Preserves generational stability, safeguarding society from chaos (2 Timothy 3:1-3 lists “disobedient to parents” as a mark of last-days rebellion). Blessings Promised for Honoring Parents • Personal prosperity: “that it may go well with you.” • Extended life: a tangible earthly reward, repeated in Proverbs 3:1-2. • Spiritual formation: parental instruction guides, guards, and speaks (Proverbs 6:20-22). • Public testimony: honoring parents models reverence for God to unbelievers. Practical Ways to Live It Out • Speak respectfully—tone matters as much as words. • Listen first; respond later (James 1:19). • Obey promptly unless commanded to sin (Acts 5:29 sets the limit). • Express gratitude—verbal thanks, written notes, acts of service. • Provide care as parents age (1 Timothy 5:4). • Preserve family reputation by godly conduct (Proverbs 10:1). Cautions When Honor Is Hard • Scripture never condones abuse. When safety is threatened, seek help (Psalm 82:4). • Honor can coexist with necessary boundaries; forgiveness does not erase justice (Romans 12:17-19). • Prayerful intercession for difficult parents is itself an act of honor (Luke 23:34 shows Christ’s pattern). Summary Snapshot Proverbs 31:2 shows a mother’s urgent, authoritative call; Ephesians 6:1-3 shows Paul reaffirming that children must respond with obedience and honor. Both passages reveal God’s unchanging design: when children esteem and obey parents, families thrive, society stabilizes, and God’s promised blessing flows. |
    |