Topical Bible: Wicked Children with Regard to Parents: Curse Them

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The Bible addresses the behavior of children towards their parents with significant gravity, emphasizing the importance of honoring one's parents as a fundamental commandment. The act of cursing one's parents is depicted as a severe transgression, reflecting a heart of rebellion and wickedness. This entry explores the biblical perspective on children who curse their parents, drawing from various scriptural references.

Biblical Commandments and Warnings

The command to honor one's parents is rooted in the Ten Commandments, where it is stated, "Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you" (Exodus 20:12). This commandment underscores the importance of respect and reverence towards parents, which is foundational to a godly life.

In contrast, the act of cursing one's parents is explicitly condemned in Scripture. Proverbs 20:20 warns, "Whoever curses his father or mother, his lamp will be extinguished in deepest darkness" . This vivid imagery suggests that such behavior leads to dire consequences, both spiritually and morally.

Consequences of Cursing Parents

The severity of cursing one's parents is further highlighted in the Mosaic Law. Leviticus 20:9 states, "If anyone curses his father or mother, he must be put to death. He has cursed his father or mother; his blood is upon him" . This law reflects the seriousness with which God views the family structure and the respect due to parental authority.

Similarly, Deuteronomy 27:16 pronounces a curse upon those who dishonor their parents: "Cursed is he who dishonors his father or mother." And all the people shall say, 'Amen!'" . This communal affirmation underscores the collective responsibility to uphold the sanctity of the family unit.

New Testament Insights

The New Testament continues to affirm the importance of honoring parents. In Ephesians 6:1-3, Paul reiterates the commandment, "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'" . This passage connects obedience to parents with divine blessing and well-being.

While the New Testament does not prescribe the same legal penalties as the Old Testament, it maintains the principle that cursing parents is contrary to Christian conduct. In 2 Timothy 3:1-2, Paul describes the characteristics of people in the last days, including those who are "disobedient to parents" , indicating that such behavior is part of a broader pattern of ungodliness.

Theological Reflections

From a theological perspective, the act of cursing one's parents is seen as a rejection of God's ordained order. Parents are viewed as God's representatives in the family, and to curse them is to rebel against God's authority. This rebellion is symptomatic of a deeper spiritual issue, reflecting a heart that is not aligned with God's will.

The biblical injunctions against cursing parents serve as a reminder of the importance of family relationships in God's design. They call for a heart of humility, respect, and obedience, recognizing the role of parents as guides and authorities in the lives of their children.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 30:11
There is a generation that curses their father, and does not bless their mother.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

"Thou Shalt Honor Thy Father and Thy Mother. "
... Beside all this, there are some so wicked that they are ashamed ... open the eyes of
parents, that they may have regard to the souls of their children, so that ...
/.../luther/a treatise on good works/thou shalt honor thy father.htm

The Promises of the Christian Home.
... ministers and pious parents are usually more wicked than other ... thee." These parental
promises made to God regard themselves and their children; and their ...
/.../philips/the christian home/chapter xxv the promises of.htm

They Shall be Called the Children of God
... compared to eagles (Isaiah 40:31), in regard of their ... The Lord accounts every thing
of his children precious. ... The wicked leave their name for a curse (Isaiah 65 ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/19 they shall be called.htm

Home-Education.
... think that education will unfit their children for industry ... They regard mental culture
as an enemy to both ... to keep the mind in ignorance lest it become wicked. ...
/.../philips/the christian home/chapter xvi home-education.htm

Miscellaneous.
... Children will learn to be wicked of parents"of ... to parents." Where nowadays shall
we see children that are ... to their aged parents with that due regard to that ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xxix miscellaneous.htm

The Blessing of God on Filial Piety.
... He continued "to warn the wicked from his way ... not generally leave such things in
charge to their children. ... ignorant of them, or their obligation to regard them. ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xxiii the blessing of.htm

Concerning Balaam the Prophet and what Kind of Man He Was.
... will their return be agreeable to their children and wives ... all those young men that
had a regard to virtue ... instead of hindering them from such wicked actions, as ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 concerning balaam the.htm

V. ...
... yet are they unaffrighted and presumptuous in regard to it ... as to say, they are cursed
children, subject to ... or salvation, and only become more wicked from day to ...
/.../the epistles of st peter and st jude preached and explained/chapter ii v 2.htm

The Curse Removed
... 1. We shall regard that curse, first as being a universal ... of God upon those who are
undeniably wicked is, of ... if there is a portion for him among the children! ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 57 1911/the curse removed.htm

Second Sunday after Epiphany
... perseverence in the parable of the wicked judge (Luke ... do for the saints of heaven;
to regard such ministration ... the Jews a generation of vipers, children of the ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/second sunday after epiphany.htm