As young Christians, by the time we learn to read and write numbers and letters in school, we learn to sing and praise our Father for all the wonders He has done. Not only that, but we also learned about the words of God during Sunday school. Along with other kids, we learned the wonders of our Father’s miraculous works and the sacrifices He had to make in sending His son Jesus Christ in order to forgive us for all the wrong things we have done.
Even before Jesus came to us, He had already spoken and made His commandments—one was about listening to our parents. And many verses in the Bible teach us the importance of listening to our parents. One of them, which we are all familiar with, is “Honor your father and mother.”
As a new mom, I speak to my daughter about the wonders of our Father. When she acts up, I know she can understand me, so I always talk to her and tell her, “Baby, you know God is watching us. And He knows that what you’re doing is not right. I know you’re tired, so close your eyes and sleep.”
Below is a list of reasons I believe it’s important we should listen to our parents.
What Does God Say About Listening to Our Parents?
During Sunday school, we learn about Moses’ life story. God chose him to lead His people free and retrieve His ten most important rules. Those rules are what we know as the ten commandments. The fifth commandment, according to Exodus 20:12, says “Honor your father and mother.” This teaches us that we must show the utmost respect for our parents.
In Proverbs 1:8, it says, “My son, hear the instruction of your father, And do not forsake the law of your mother.” As children of our Father, we listen to His instructions and respect His teaching, which means we must do the same for our parents. Our parents were sent to us by God to guide us in making the right decisions in life. They are there to protect us, not to harm us. Not only did God say that we should listen to our parents, but He also explained the rewards we’ll get by listening to them.
Bible Verses About Listening To Parents
Why Should We Listen to Our Parents?
If we listen to our Father, then it should be a practice of ours to listen to our parents as well. God reminds us in Proverbs 6:20-22 that listening to our parents will lead us to a better life. This is because our parents will have far more wisdom than we do. Wisdom is gained through experience and years, and with the years they have lived, our parents have already experienced much. Our parents would risk anything for us; they are willing to give up everything for their child’s well-being.
That means that as children of God, we have the responsibility to listen to our parents, show respect for them, be grateful for all the things they have done for us, and love them back, just as they love us. As our Father lays us down in green pastures, our parents too are there to shelter and provide us nourishment and comfort.
So, listening to our parents means we consequently listen to the words of God, for they are our earthly parents, whose words and teaching are from God.
What Goes Around, Comes Around
Remember, it’s likely we, too, will someday be parents. And the respect we have for our parents will be reflected in our future children and how we treat others. In Exodus 20:12, God explained the reason why we should listen to our parents. He stated that listening to our parents means we will have an everlasting time here on earth. In Ephesians 6:1-3, God reminded us again of the rewards of listening to our parents. We should always put it into our hearts that how we treat our parents will return to us. If you wish to live a harmonious life with your mother and father, you should obey and respect them as they continue to love you.
Remember, what we learn from our parents is how we will live around society. If we are respectful toward our parents, then others will be respectful toward us as well. How you treat your parents is how others will treat you.
Education Is the Key to Success
One of the many reasons we should listen to our parents is because they are here to train us for a better future. God mentioned in Proverbs 22:6 that our parents are there to train us and help us discover our purpose and path in life. Our parents were sent by God in order to help us discover the unique talent God has given us and how we can use these gifts in a positive way once we become adults. Each of us has a skill that can flourish with the support of our parents.
As a mother, I hope to be my daughter’s number one supporter in all the things she aspires to do in life, as well as be as supportive as I can be in all the life decisions she makes. Even if she makes bad choices in her life, I hope she knows that I am here to support her no matter what, as it is natural for children to make some wrong choices in life. We too made wrong choices as children, but our parents were there to continue to support and love us.
Remember, life is full of obstacles. Our Heavenly Father and earthly parents are always there to support us, so we should never take them for granted.
Retribution for Rebellious Children
Let’s be frank—we’ve all been rebellious toward our parents at some point. We’ve disobeyed and said hurtful words to them. Thinking back on my childhood, I recall my parents would tell me about God’s punishment for being a naughty child. “The eye that mocks his father, And scorns obedience to his mother, The ravens of the valley will pick it out, And the young eagles will eat it.” (Proverbs 30:17)
Bible Verses About Listening To Parents
Reading this would make you think, That seems harsh. And, it is scary thinking that birds would come down to eat out your eyes. But that’s not what the passage is all about. Instead, it is a reminder that once we disobey our father and mother, we become spiritually dead (Proverbs 20:20). This holds significant meaning; it says that “his lamp will be out in utter darkness.” Being spiritually dead means you no longer live in the will of God. And God promised to reward those who honor their father and mother with everlasting life.
Bible Verses About Listening To Parents
Remember, at the end of time, we will all face our Father again. If you wish to live with Him in paradise, being an obedient child is one thing. More importantly, we should always be careful not only in the words we speak but also in how we act toward our parents and others. For our “eyes are the window to the soul,” and the soul reveals more of what our heart truly holds.
Conclusion
There are many verses in the Bible that tell us of the importance of listening to our parents. Always put into your heart that our Heavenly Father honors His words. He will reward those who are true to His words and teaching and punish those who disobey Him, as the Lord rewards only His faithful children.