What does the Bible say about children obeying their parents?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that children should obey and honor their parents in the Lord, receiving godly instruction as part of God’s good order for family life. Ephesians 6:1-4 and Colossians 3:20 call children to willing obedience, while also charging parents not to provoke or discourage them but to raise them in the Lord’s discipline and instruction. The fifth commandment, Exodus 20:12, grounds this honor in God’s covenant purposes. Proverbs commends heeding parental wisdom and loving correction, though discipline must reflect God’s righteous, patient care rather than harshness. This obedience is not absolute: it is rendered “in the Lord,” under Christ’s higher authority and with faith in God’s grace.