Topical Encyclopedia
The Bible addresses the behavior and consequences of wicked children, particularly those who show disrespect or contempt for their parents. This topic is rooted in the broader biblical principle of honoring one's father and mother, as commanded in the Ten Commandments (
Exodus 20:12). The Scriptures provide clear guidance on the importance of this commandment and the severe consequences for those who fail to uphold it.
Biblical FoundationThe Bible emphasizes the importance of respecting and honoring parents as a fundamental aspect of a godly life.
Proverbs 20:20 states, "Whoever curses his father or mother, his lamp will be extinguished in deepest darkness." This verse underscores the gravity of disrespecting one's parents, equating such behavior with a curse that leads to dire consequences.
In the Mosaic Law, the punishment for cursing or striking one's parents was severe.
Exodus 21:17 declares, "Whoever curses his father or mother must surely be put to death." Similarly,
Leviticus 20:9 reiterates, "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." These passages reflect the seriousness with which God views the relationship between children and their parents.
Consequences of DisobedienceThe Bible provides examples of the consequences faced by those who set light by their parents. In
Deuteronomy 21:18-21 , the law addresses the case of a stubborn and rebellious son who does not obey his parents. The passage instructs that such a son should be brought before the elders of the city and, if found guilty, stoned to death. This severe punishment served as a deterrent and underscored the importance of maintaining family order and respect.
Proverbs 30:17 further illustrates the consequences of mocking or scorning one's parents: "As for the eye that mocks a father and scorns obedience to a mother, may the ravens of the valley pluck it out and the young vultures eat it." This vivid imagery serves as a warning of the natural and divine retribution that awaits those who dishonor their parents.
Theological ImplicationsFrom a theological perspective, the punishment of wicked children who set light by their parents is rooted in the understanding of the family as a foundational institution established by God. The family is seen as a microcosm of the relationship between God and His people, with parents serving as representatives of God's authority. Disrespect towards parents is thus viewed as an affront to God's ordained order.
The New Testament reinforces the importance of honoring parents.
Ephesians 6:1-3 instructs, "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. '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 have a long life on the earth.'" This passage highlights the blessings associated with obedience and respect for parental authority.
Practical ApplicationIn contemporary Christian practice, the principles outlined in Scripture regarding the punishment of wicked children who set light by their parents are applied through the lens of grace and redemption. While the severe penalties prescribed in the Old Testament are not enacted in modern Christian communities, the underlying call to honor and respect parents remains a vital aspect of Christian teaching.
Parents are encouraged to discipline their children in love, guiding them towards a life that honors God and respects family authority.
Proverbs 22:6 advises, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." This verse emphasizes the role of parents in shaping the character and behavior of their children, ensuring that they grow up to honor God and their family.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Deuteronomy 27:16Cursed be he that sets light by his father or his mother. And all the people shall say, Amen.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
The Destruction of Jerusalem.
... His blood be on us, and on our children."(45 ... hatred of sin, and to the certain
punishment that will ... of God shall be wholly withdrawn from the wicked, no longer ...
/.../1 the destruction of jerusalem.htm
The Destruction of Jerusalem
... blood be on us, and on our children." Matthew 27 ... hatred of sin and to the certain
punishment that will ... God shall be wholly withdrawn from the wicked, no longer ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 1 the destruction of.htm
The Fifth Commandment
... The slothful servant is called a wicked servant.' Matthew ... live to have children,
their own children will be ... will make them read their sins in their punishment. ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 5 the fifth commandment.htm
Revelation of John.
... not, and others in the seven-mouthed pit of punishment. ... there is no pain from parents
or children, there is ... pain from gold, there are no wicked thoughts, there ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/revelation of john/revelation of john.htm
Sponsorship
... to try plans which are sinful, foul, and wicked, all in ... will learn how worthy of
your love children are, what ... will not be thinking of what punishment will come ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/sermons for the times/sermon v sponsorship.htm
In Death and after Death
... of God." If premature death was the punishment of sin ... Children were to mourn for
their parents a whole year ... fire and burning coals, to punish the wicked in the ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 10 in death and.htm
The Negative Side
... the spirit of bondage and fear of punishment" (Turretin ... it, it is evidently directed
to the wicked, who will ... of the subject, and show that the children of God ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the law and the saint/the negative side.htm
The Polity Settled by Moses; and How He Disappeared from among ...
... him that smote him not escape punishment; but if ... commiseration, because they were
born of wicked parents, than hatred ... we to impute the sin of children to their ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 8 the polity settled.htm
Justice.
... it so often is to us, to see the wicked suffer ... I answer, To believe it is your
punishment for being ... Some children will tell lies to please the parents that hate ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macdonald/unspoken sermons/justice.htm
The Second Commandment
... that is, God lays up the punishment of his ... Wicked idolaters entail misery on their
posterity; God visits the ... of the fathers upon their children;' but religious ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 2 the second commandment.htm
Resources
Why did Jesus say, “Let the little children come to me”? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are indigo children? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about raising children? | GotQuestions.orgChildren: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
