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NASB | Matthew 23:9 "Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Matthew 23:9 "Do not call anyone on earth [who guides you spiritually] your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. |
Bible Question: What does the bible mean when it says to "honor" your father and mother? I am married to a man - his father and mother have treated us terribly by making false accusations against us, telling lies to the entire family about us and getting them to believe all of their lies (and turn on us), talking to us in a disgraceful way, etc. These people are all Christians. What does it mean to "honor" parents who act this way (gossip, spread rumors, lie about us)? |
Bible Answer: The meaning of the commandment is that you should give them the honor of parents. If while growing up under their authority the child should respect their authority and not speak evil of them because they have rules. They are parents and have a duty to God to do their best, it is sinful for the child to act angrily toward them or hold bitterness because his flesh is being curbed by their rules. Now as an adult your duty is to show honor if the parents are old and feeble and need help. For instance, the parent may have lived in wickedness, they may not be a christian, but if they are old and feeble you are still to show honor in that these people were instrumental in bringing you into the world and took care of you when you could not take care of yourself, it is your duty to take care of them when they are old. If you do not you are guilty of not honoring your mother or father. If the parent is not feeble and is insisting that you agree with them about somthing that is foolish or sinful you can simply seperate from them without showing dishonor. |