5 Biblical Ways to Honor and Obey Your Parents
Posted on 10 July 2026
Bible Obeying Parents
Obeying our parents is not just a suggestion, but a direct command from God. In Ephesians 6:1, the Bible states, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.” This command is closely tied to the idea of honoring our parents, as mentioned in the following verse. Ephesians 6:2-3 continues, “‘Honor your father and mother’—which is the first commandment with a promise—‘so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on earth.’” Honoring our parents involves having an attitude of respect towards them, and obedience should be done with this attitude of honor. Grudging obedience does not align with this command.
It is important to understand what is meant by "children" in this context. In Ephesians 6:1, the Greek word used for "children" refers to "dependent offspring." This implies a young age and denotes those who are under the care and authority of their parents. Thus, obedience to parents is required until one reaches adulthood. The command to obey is not given to adults but to minors who are still dependent on their parents.
Obeying and honoring our parents may be challenging for some children more than others. However, there is a good reason behind this command. Proverbs teaches us that those who listen to their parents gain wisdom: “A wise son heeds his father’s instruction, but a mocker does not respond to rebukes” (Proverbs 13:1). God's design is for children to learn honor and obedience at home so that they can grow up to live wisely. By respecting their parents within the family, they will also learn how to respect others appropriately outside of the home. Even Jesus, though He was the Son of God, obeyed His earthly parents and grew in wisdom as a result (Luke 2:51-52). The Bible tells us that children who are not disciplined or who fail to obey their parents often face difficulties in life (Proverbs 22:15, 19:18, and 29:15).
As children have a responsibility to obey their parents, parents also have a responsibility to instruct their children in the ways of God. Ephesians 6:4 states, “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” Even if parents themselves are not following this command, children in the home still have the obligation to obey and respect their parents.
Our ultimate responsibility is to love and obey God above all else. He has commanded children to obey their parents as they grow up. The only acceptable reason for disobedience towards one's parents would be if they were instructing a child to do something that directly contradicts one of God's commands. In such cases, the child must choose to obey God instead (Acts 5:29).
Why This Matters
Obeying and honoring our parents is not simply a cultural tradition or suggestion; it is a command from God Himself. By obeying our parents, we learn discipline, respect, and wisdom. It sets the foundation for how we relate to authority figures throughout our lives and ultimately impacts our relationship with God. Obedience to our parents is an act of obedience to God.
Think About It
- How can you show honor and respect towards your parents even when it may be challenging?
- Reflect on times when you chose to obey your parents and experienced positive outcomes as a result.
- Consider the importance of parental instruction in shaping your character and wisdom.
- How can you apply the principles of obedience and honor towards your parents in your daily life?
