Topical Bible: Wicked Children with Regard to Parents: Despised Their Elders

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The Bible provides numerous teachings on the relationship between children and their parents, emphasizing respect, obedience, and honor. However, it also addresses the consequences and characteristics of children who act wickedly by despising their elders. This behavior is condemned throughout Scripture, as it disrupts the God-ordained family structure and societal order.

Biblical References:

1. Proverbs 30:17 · "As for the eye that mocks a father and scorns obedience to a mother, may the ravens of the valley pluck it out and young vultures devour it." This verse vividly illustrates the severe consequences of mocking and scorning one's parents. The imagery of ravens and vultures serves as a stark warning against such disrespectful behavior.

2. Deuteronomy 21:18-21 · This passage outlines the law concerning a rebellious son: "If a man has a stubborn and rebellious son who does not obey his father and mother, and does not listen to them when disciplined, his father and mother are to take hold of him and bring him to the elders at the gate of his town. They shall say to the elders, 'This son of ours is stubborn and rebellious. He does not obey us. He is a glutton and a drunkard.' Then all the men of his town are to stone him to death. You must purge the evil from among you, and all Israel will hear of it and be afraid." This severe penalty underscores the gravity of rebellion and the importance of maintaining order and respect within the family and community.

3. Exodus 21:15 · "Whoever strikes his father or mother must surely be put to death." This commandment highlights the seriousness of physical violence against one's parents, reflecting the broader principle of honoring one's father and mother.

4. Proverbs 20:20 · "Whoever curses his father or mother, his lamp will be extinguished in deepest darkness." Cursing one's parents is equated with a spiritual and moral darkness, indicating the profound impact of such actions on one's life and soul.

5. Ephesians 6:1-3 · "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.'" The Apostle Paul reiterates the commandment to honor one's parents, linking it to a promise of well-being and longevity, thus contrasting the blessings of obedience with the consequences of wickedness.

Theological Implications:

The Bible's teachings on wicked children who despise their elders reflect a broader theological understanding of authority and order. God has established the family as a fundamental unit of society, with parents serving as representatives of His authority. Disrespect and rebellion against parents are seen as direct challenges to God's ordained structure and, by extension, to God Himself.

The consequences outlined in Scripture for such behavior serve as both a deterrent and a means of preserving the sanctity and stability of the family. The severe penalties in the Old Testament, while not practiced in contemporary Christian communities, underscore the seriousness with which God views the breakdown of familial respect and order.

Practical Application:

For believers, these passages serve as a reminder of the importance of cultivating respect and honor within the family. Parents are encouraged to teach their children the value of obedience and respect, while children are called to recognize the authority and wisdom of their elders. The biblical model promotes a harmonious family life that reflects God's love and order, serving as a witness to the broader community.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 19:18
Yes, young children despised me; I arose, and they spoke against me.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Of the Five Sacraments, Falsely So Called. Their Spuriousness ...
... them hear Augustine, whom they pretend to regard as a ... to be heard only from consecrated
lips, she delegates to children. ... who is not possessed by a wicked spirit ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 19 of the five.htm

Exposition of the Moral Law.
... his name is profaned with vain and wicked abuse, because ... It is a sign between me
and the children of Israel for ... Those persons had no regard to that politic and ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 8 exposition of the.htm

Letter Lxxv. (AD 404. )
... quench all the fiery darts of the wicked: and take ... read, moreover, in Chronicles,
that the children of Israel ... I do not presume to dogmatize in regard to things ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter lxxv a d 404.htm

Homilies on the Epistles to Timothy, Titus, and Philemon.
... and difficulties of, [3175]ib.; must regard their health for ... Parents, may be benefited
by their children's virtue, [3621 ... for prosperity of the wicked, [3771]ib. ...
/.../homilies on the epistles to.htm

Of the Agreement of the Evangelists Matthew and Luke in the ...
... the passing away into Babylon; and the wicked do not go ... Ezekiel and Daniel, and the
Three Children who were ... but the order of wedlock did she regard, for Christ ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon i of the agreement.htm

Concerning Salutations and Recreations, &C.
... such as Abraham's bowing himself to the children of Heth ... are sensible of his blessing:
whereas the wicked and profane ... 2, 3, 6. the sabbaths and regard to parents ...
/.../proposition xv concerning salutations and.htm

Third Sunday after Trinity Humility, Trust, Watchfulness ...
... despair before Satan, even though that wicked one press ... experiences of his first
son Cain, and his children! ... Therefore, no one should regard his distress and ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/third sunday after trinity humility.htm

Elucidations.
... and sublime compend, and gave it to His children for ever ... over us, and keep us far
from wicked men and ... The Oxford editors regard it as a mere corruption of the ...
/.../cyprian/three books of testimonies against the jews/elucidations.htm

Homilies on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians.
... 662]331; an example to bereaved parents, [663]336 ... Adjuration, by Christ, once feared,
now despised, [683]372 ... though heavy, [1063]ib.; spiritual children of, [1064 ...
/.../homilies on philippians colossians and.htm

The Life of Mr. James Renwick.
... him; being not only the butt of the wicked, but the ... it unlawful to pay it, both in
regard it is ... but also from the many ordinary pollutions of children; and for ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr james 6.htm