Bible Readings — Bible Questions Answered

Honor Due to Parents

The Responsibility of Children

What is the duty of every child? BR-ASI9 464.9

“My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother.” Proverbs 1:8. BR-ASI9 464.10

What does the fifth commandment require of children? BR-ASI9 465.1

“Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.” Exodus 20:12. BR-ASI9 465.2

Note.—While this precept refers directly to our earthly parents, it also includes God, our Father in heaven; for in honoring them we honor Him. To the child too young to know God, the earthly parent takes the place of God. Learning to honor, respect, and obey his earthly parents is the child’s first and most important lesson in learning to honor, respect, and obey God, his heavenly Parent. Benjamin Franklin well said: “Let thy child’s first lesson be obedience, and the second will be what thou wilt.” BR-ASI9 465.3

For how long a time should one honor his parents? BR-ASI9 465.4

“Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old.” Proverbs 23:22. BR-ASI9 465.5

Note.—As long as parents live, they should be honored and respected by their children. The duty enjoined in the fifth commandment does not cease at maturity, nor when the child leaves the parental roof. BR-ASI9 465.6