We Have Sinned!

The practice of bestowing honor takes on many forms. We name the best player in a football game the game’s MVP. The most highly regarded quarterback of the season is presented with the Heisman Trophy. When the judge (His Honor) walks into the courtroom, everyone stands up. As our flag passes by in a parade, veterans salute and civilians put their right hand over their hearts. These are ways of showing respect, or honor, to outstanding individuals and our country. How are children supposed to honor their parents? There was a time when, as the parent entered the room, the younger set would rise to their feet! (Leviticus 19:32) Thou shalt rise up before the hoary (gray) head, and honour the face of the old man, and fear thy God: I am the LORD. Such a thought in today’s culture inspires a laugh, but God said it, and He hasn’t changed His mind. The book of Proverbs is a source of abundant instruction of how to honor one’s father and mother. Listen to your father’s instruction and obey the rules of the house as laid down by your mother (1:8; 6:20). Proper respect demands that the child put some effort into understanding that the righteous parent has a reason for their instruction (4:1). Always keep their instruction in mind (4:4; 6:21). Be aware of the fact that they gave you life, and as they advance in years, this gift of life is honored by the children providing care and services to those parents that need help (23:22).

The obligation to honor your father and mother doesn’t end when you leave their presence. Your conduct away from your parents will be observed by others and they will be judged as to how they reared you. A courteous, well behaved son will be the source of compliments to the father (Proverbs 23:24-25) but a bad report makes a mother ashamed (Proverbs 10:1) A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.

Foolish behavior is the opposite of honor, and shows a lack of respect for one’s mother (15:20). The child that wastes the resources of his parents is one who brings ruin to them (28:24).

The Fifth Commandment is the first Commandment with promise (Ephesians 6:2-3) Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. That isn’t the only promise that comes with this Commandment. (Proverbs 30:17) The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it. Our Heavenly Father expects honor and respect from us. Make no mistake about it, He expects the same for our parents. He takes this Commandment very, very seriously.