8 ways of honoring your parents

         Here are 8 biblical and practical ways to honor your parents, supported by Scripture and rich in meaning:

1. Obey Them in the Lord (While Under Their Authority)

    Ephesians 6:1 – “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.”

         Obedience is a foundational way to honor parents, especially during childhood and adolescence. God designed the family with order, and obedience reflects respect for that divine structure.

         Obedience, when done “in the Lord,” means following parental guidance as long as it doesn’t contradict God’s Word. This shows trust in both parental wisdom and divine instruction.

2. Speak to Them with Respect

    Proverbs 30:17 – “The eye that mocks a father and scorns to obey a mother will be picked out by the ravens of the valley and eaten by the vultures.”

         The tone, attitude, and words we use with our parents should always be respectful. This includes refraining from yelling, mocking, or belittling them—even in disagreement.

         Respect is not based on how “good” your parents are; it’s a biblical requirement. Honoring involves acknowledging their God-given role, even when opinions differ.

3. Listen to Their Counsel

    Proverbs 1:8-9 – “Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, and forsake not your mother’s teaching, for they are a graceful garland for your head and pendants for your neck.”

        Taking your parents’ advice seriously shows honor. Even as adults, seeking their counsel affirms that you value their wisdom and life experience.

        God often uses parents as vessels of guidance. Their counsel may not always be perfect, but showing willingness to listen honors both them and the Lord.

4. Care for Them in Old Age

    1 Timothy 5:4 – “But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God.”

        Providing for your parents' physical, emotional, or financial needs as they age is a direct way to honor them. It reflects gratitude and responsibility.

        In a culture that often discards the elderly, God calls His people to value and protect their aging parents.

5. Forgive Their Mistakes

    Colossians 3:13 – “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

         Parents are human and can fail. Honoring them includes extending grace and forgiveness where they've fallen short.

         Forgiveness doesn’t mean enabling harm, but it frees you from bitterness and opens the door to healing. Honor can still be given even in broken relationships, through prayer, respect, and boundaries.

6. Speak Well of Them

    Exodus 20:12 – “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.”

         Honor also includes how you speak about your parents to others. Defaming or dishonoring them in public or private conversations goes against the spirit of this commandment.

         Even when sharing past hurts, be careful to maintain dignity in how you speak of your parents. Seek truth without vengeance.

7. Express Gratitude Regularly

    1 Thessalonians 5:18 – “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

         Saying “thank you” for the sacrifices your parents made, the love they showed, or even the hard lessons you learned under them communicates deep honor.

         Gratitude nurtures humility and reminds you of the ways God used your parents to shape your life—even through pain or hardship.

8. Live a Godly Life

    Proverbs 23:24-25 – “The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice; he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him. Let your father and mother be glad; let her who bore you rejoice.”

         Living a life that reflects biblical values brings honor to your parents. Your godly conduct becomes a testimony of their influence, even if they themselves aren’t believers.

        A righteous life validates their investment and becomes a source of joy, especially to godly parents who labored to raise you in the Lord.

        Honoring parents is a lifelong calling—it evolves from obedience in youth to care and respect in adulthood. The fifth commandment is the only one tied to a promise: long life and blessing. Whether your parents are living or deceased, faithful or flawed, your honor toward them honors God.