What does the Bible say about obeying your parents?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that children should obey and honor their parents as an expression of obedience to the Lord, while parents must exercise their authority with loving care. Ephesians 6:1-3 and Colossians 3:20 connect this obedience with God’s good design and the promise attached to honoring father and mother in Exodus 20:12. Proverbs urges children to receive parental instruction wisely, while warning against contempt for godly authority. Yet parental authority is not ultimate: Colossians 3:21 calls fathers not to provoke their children, and Christ’s command in John 14:15 reminds every believer that loyalty to Him comes first. In Christian homes, obedience should be nurtured by grace, truth, and patient discipline.
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Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Colossians 3:20
Children, obey your parents in all things, for this pleases the Lord.
- 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 6:1
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.
- Proverbs 1:8
My son, listen to your father's instruction, And don't forsake your mother's teaching:
- John 14:15
If you love me, keep my commandments.
- Ephesians 6:1-3
[1] Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. [2] "Honor your father and mother," which is the first commandment with a promise: [3] "that it may be well with you, and you may live long on the earth."
- Colossians 3:21
Fathers, don't provoke your children, so that they won't be discouraged.
- Proverbs 13:1
A wise son listens to his father's instruction, But a scoffer doesn't listen to rebuke.
- 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.
- Ephesians 6:2-3
[2] "Honor your father and mother," which is the first commandment with a promise: [3] "that it may be well with you, and you may live long on the earth."
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