How does Proverbs 6:20 relate to Ephesians 6:1-3 about honoring parents? Reading the Two Passages Together “My son, keep your father’s commandment, and do not forsake the teaching of your mother.” “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘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 have a long life on the earth.’” Shared Call to Honor • Same audience: “My son” / “Children” – every generation is addressed. • Same action: “keep…do not forsake” equals “obey…honor.” The verbs differ, but both stress continuous, wholehearted submission. • Same authority: parents speak God-given instruction; to obey them is to obey the Lord (cf. Colossians 3:20). • Same source: both writers draw directly from the Decalogue (Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 5:16), showing unbroken unity between Old and New Testaments. Why God Connects Parenthood and Wisdom • Parents are the first human voice of God’s truth (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). • Obedience at home trains the heart for obedience to God’s wider commands (Proverbs 1:8-9). • The family is a living illustration of divine order (1 Corinthians 11:3). • Faith is meant to be passed along generationally (2 Timothy 1:5; 3:15). Blessings Promised Ephesians quotes and applies the promise already implicit in Proverbs: • “It may go well with you” – quality of life now (Proverbs 3:1-2). • “Long life on the earth” – longevity tied to wisdom (Proverbs 3:16; 4:10). • God’s covenant blessings rest on those who honor parents, whether under law or grace. Practical Ways to Live This Out 1. Listen actively – give full attention when parents speak (James 1:19). 2. Speak respectfully – tone matters as much as words (Proverbs 15:1). 3. Follow through quickly – delayed obedience is disobedience (Matthew 21:28-30). 4. Care for aging parents – financial and emotional support honors them (1 Timothy 5:4). 5. Pray for receptive hearts – ask the Spirit to keep you teachable (Psalm 25:4-5). The Larger Context • Proverbs 6 flows into warnings against moral traps; parental commands guard the heart. • Ephesians 6 leads into spiritual warfare; honoring parents is part of God’s armor against the enemy. • Salvation does not erase the command; it empowers it “in the Lord.” Both passages together form a seamless call: treasure your parents’ God-given guidance, and you will walk in wisdom, enjoy God’s favor, and stand strong in every season of life. |
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