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What does the Bible say about disrespectful child?

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The Bible teaches that a disrespectful child sins against God by dishonoring the parents He has appointed, and is called to repentance, obedient faith, and growth in godly character. Exodus 20:12 and Ephesians 6:2 place honoring father and mother among God’s enduring moral commands, while Colossians 3:20 calls children to obey their parents in the Lord. Proverbs 30:17 and Leviticus 20:9 soberly reveal how seriously God regards contempt for parents, though Christians do not apply Israel’s civil penalties today. Parents should also nurture rather than provoke their children, praying that God would change hearts through Christ. In repentance and faith, even deeply broken family relationships may receive mercy, wisdom, and patient restoration.

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • Proverbs 30:17

    The eye that mocks at his father, And scorns obedience to his mother: The ravens of the valley shall pick it out, The young eagles shall eat it.

  • Exodus 20:12

    "Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land which Yahweh your God gives you.

  • Ephesians 6:2

    "Honor your father and mother," which is the first commandment with a promise:

  • Leviticus 20:9

    "'For everyone who curses his father or his mother shall surely be put to death: he has cursed his father or his mother; his blood shall be upon him.

  • 1 Timothy 5:4

    But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them learn first to show piety towards their own family, and to repay their parents, for this is acceptable in the sight of God.

  • Psalms 91:1-16

    [1] He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. [2] I will say of Yahweh, "He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in whom I trust." [3] For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler, And from the deadly pestilence. [4] He will cover you with his feathers. Under his wings you will take refuge. His faithfulness is your shield and rampart. [5] You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, Nor of the arrow that flies by day; [6] Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, Nor of the destruction that wastes at noonday. [7] A thousand may fall at your side, And ten thousand at your right hand; But it will not come near you. [8] You will only look with your eyes, And see the recompense of the wicked. [9] Because you have made Yahweh your refuge, And the Most High your dwelling place, [10] No evil shall happen to you, Neither shall any plague come near your dwelling. [11] For he will give his angels charge over you, To guard you in all your ways. [12] They will bear you up in their hands, So that you won't dash your foot against a stone. [13] You will tread on the lion and cobra. You will trample the young lion and the serpent underfoot. [14] "Because he has set his love on me, therefore I will deliver him. I will set him on high, because he has known my name. [15] He will call on me, and I will answer him. I will be with him in trouble. I will deliver him, and honor him. [16] I will satisfy him with long life, And show him my salvation."

  • Colossians 3:20

    Children, obey your parents in all things, for this pleases the Lord.

  • Philippians 4:8

    Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think about these things.

  • Romans 8:29

    For whom he foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.

  • Matthew 11:25

    At that time, Jesus answered, "I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you hid these things from the wise and understanding, and revealed them to infants.

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