Topical Encyclopedia
The Bible addresses the behavior and consequences of children who mock or show disrespect to their parents, emphasizing the seriousness of such actions. This topic is rooted in the broader biblical principle of honoring one's father and mother, a commandment that is foundational to the moral and social order as outlined in Scripture.
Biblical FoundationThe command to honor one's parents is explicitly stated in the Ten Commandments: "Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you" (
Exodus 20:12). This commandment underscores the importance of respect within the family unit, which is seen as a microcosm of society at large.
Consequences for Mocking ParentsThe Bible provides specific warnings and consequences for children who mock or curse their parents. In Proverbs, the wisdom literature of the Old Testament, the gravity of such behavior is highlighted: "The eye that mocks a father and scorns obedience to a mother will be pecked out by the ravens of the valley and eaten by the vultures" (
Proverbs 30:17). This vivid imagery serves as a stark warning of the severe consequences that await those who fail to respect their parents.
Furthermore, the Mosaic Law prescribed severe penalties for cursing one's parents: "If anyone curses his father or mother, he must be put to death. He has cursed his father or mother; his blood shall be upon him" (
Leviticus 20:9). This law reflects the seriousness with which parental authority and family integrity were regarded in ancient Israelite society.
Theological ImplicationsFrom a theological perspective, mocking parents is seen as a direct violation of God's ordained order. Parents are viewed as God's representatives in the family, and disrespect towards them is tantamount to disrespect towards God Himself. This understanding is reinforced in the New Testament, where the Apostle Paul reiterates the commandment to honor one's parents, linking it to a promise of well-being and longevity: "Honor your father and mother (which is the first commandment with a promise), that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life on the earth" (
Ephesians 6:2-3).
Cultural and Historical ContextIn the cultural and historical context of the Bible, the family was the primary unit of social and religious life. The stability and continuity of the family were essential for the survival and prosperity of the community. Therefore, any behavior that threatened the family structure, such as mocking or cursing parents, was met with severe consequences to deter such actions and preserve societal order.
Practical ApplicationFor contemporary believers, these passages serve as a reminder of the importance of maintaining respect and honor within the family. While the specific penalties prescribed in the Old Testament are not applicable in modern legal systems, the underlying principle of honoring one's parents remains relevant. Christian parents are encouraged to teach their children the value of respect and obedience, fostering an environment where family relationships reflect the love and order intended by God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Proverbs 30:17The eye that mocks at his father, and despises to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
Instruction for the Ignorant:
... Wo unto the wicked, it shall ... be men or children, the greater sin, the greater punishment;
'For there ... what shall we little children do?[10]"A. Either go on in ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/instruction for the ignorant .htm
The Misery of those Who, Besides Losing the Saints' Rest, Lose the ...
... world; and the hope of the wicked takes an ... then be the instrument of their punishment
for yielding to ... and cries of their damned companions; children crying out ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter vi the misery of.htm
Free Grace
... That these shall go away into everlasting punishment, and those ... good or evil, causes,
not only children of a ... him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 128 free grace.htm
On Our Lord's Passion, Death, Resurrection, and Ascension
... world; the "hatred God bears to it," from the punishment He inflicted on the wicked
angels and ... or, if it does, is only for little children who have ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 8 on our lords.htm
Matt. I. 17
... this to thee becomes a store [196] of punishment. ... and scenes of lawlessness, in the
wicked assemblies in ... all to scorn, as they would children mocking them, and ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily iv matt i 17.htm
Acts II
... of his execution, but the hands of wicked Jews. ... realization of guilt, and the most
fearful anticipation of punishment. ... is to you and to your children, and to ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts ii.htm
The Confessions of St. Augustin Index of Subjects
... absence of, the punishment of former sin, 125. ... the Scriptures obscured to their mocking
spirit, [793]62 ... ambition for their children's progress often injudicious ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/the confessions of st augustin.htm
Concerning Salutations and Recreations, &C.
... sensible of his blessing: whereas the wicked and profane ... Israelites by God, as unto
children, that they ... this dispensation will lie without fear of punishment. ...
/.../proposition xv concerning salutations and.htm
Christian Behavior
... sin also in itself, distinct from the punishment belonging to ... thy parents be godly,
and thou wicked, as thou ... that are and have been obedient children; yea, of ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/christian behavior.htm
A Few Sighs from Hell;
... And as I said before, that not only the wicked, but also the godly ... the Lord their
God; they must also be separated from their wives, children, husbands, friends ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a few sighs from hell.htm
Resources
What does the Bible say about disrespectful children? | GotQuestions.orgDoes God expect all of us to have children? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about the evangelization of children? | GotQuestions.orgChildren: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
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