What other scriptures emphasize the importance of respecting parents? Framing the Discussion—Proverbs 30:17 “The eye that mocks a father and scorns obedience to a mother will be pecked out by the ravens of the valley and eaten by the vultures.” A graphic picture that drives home how seriously God views parental respect. Rooted in the Ten Commandments “Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.” • Deuteronomy 5:16 echoes the command and adds, “that it may go well with you.” God ties long life and blessing directly to honoring parents—an early hint that respect produces flourishing. Wisdom’s Consistent Echo in Proverbs “Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction, and do not forsake the teaching of your mother.” “My son, keep your father’s commandment, and do not forsake your mother’s teaching… When you walk, they will guide you.” “Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.” These verses highlight a lifelong posture: receive, remember, and revere parental counsel. Serious Warnings for Dishonor “Cursed is he who dishonors his father or mother.” “Each of you must respect his mother and father, and you must observe My Sabbaths. I am the LORD your God.” “Whoever robs his father or mother and says, ‘It is not wrong,’ is a companion to the man who destroys.” The Bible moves past polite suggestion—dishonor invites divine displeasure. Jesus Affirms the Command “For God commanded, ‘Honor your father and mother’ and ‘Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.’” • Mark 7:10 repeats the same reference. Jesus confronts religious loopholes (the Corban rule) and insists the command still stands. New Testament Application for Believers “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘Honor your father and mother’ … ‘that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life on the earth.’” “Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.” “Let them first learn to show devotion to their own household and to repay their parents; for this is pleasing in the sight of God.” Respect isn’t just for young children; adult sons and daughters repay and care for aging parents. Putting It All Together • From Sinai to the prophets, from Jesus to Paul, Scripture speaks with one voice: honoring father and mother is non-negotiable. • Blessing accompanies obedience; severe warnings meet contempt. • Practical outworking includes listening, financial support, public gratitude, and compassionate care. • Proverbs 30:17’s vivid imagery is not mere poetry—it is God’s way of underlining a timeless truth: how we treat parents mirrors our reverence for Him. |
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