Dishonoring Parents

Proverbs 30:17

The eye that mocks a father and scorns a mother
will be picked out by the ravens of the valley
and eaten by the vultures.

Disrespect of one's parents clearly is not a modern phenomenon. This is the second time in chapter 30 that the matter has been raised (see v 11). There is the tendency of youth and, perhaps more so, of adult children to denigrate their parents. Among youth, there is the natural tendency to assert independence, and that often comes through questioning one's parents. Nor is it unusual for youth to resist what they feel are restraints on their instincts for pleasure and acceptance among their peers.


It is the adult child, who never grows out of that youthful attitude, who is most troubling. As he grows into adulthood, he should be learning the trials and temptations that have beset his parents, thus making him more understanding of whatever defects they possess. He should be learning from his own failures the frailty of the human spirit, and so identifying with his parents as fellow sinners needing grace.

Bless your parents; honor them by doing whatever is for their good. Act according to the principle of grace and not out of your hurts. Perhaps you cannot help them (though you have more of a chance to do so than if you act out of resentment and pride); but what is really at stake is your heart. Do not let it be filled with pride; do not let scorn come to life in it.