Lesson No. 38 

Lesson No. 38 Fifth Commandment

Before entering into consideration of the topic of reference, I would like to remember that when starting this commentary about God's Commandments, I stated that they summarize the two great duties of the individual: to love God and to love one's neighbor, as we read in Matthew chapter 22: verses 35 to 40.51 Therefore, I have provided an explanation of the first four commandments, which refer to love towards God. The faithful observance of them will be our greatest demonstration of how much we love Him. To continue with the exposition of the six remaining commandments related to love for one's neighbor, let us see what the following passage tells us:

Romans chapter 13: verses 8 to 10: “Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. 9For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 10Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law”.51

In addition to all the commandments referred to in this biblical passage, evidently, the one to honor one's parents is also related to love for one's neighbor, which is precisely the fifth commandment.

Let us now consider what this divine precept says:

Exodus chapter 20: verse 12: “Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee”.51

To honor: To respect someone, exalt or reward their merit, give honor or fame.

Only a slight analysis would be enough to understand that after God in His most holy Divinity, there is no other being in the universe that deserves greater honor and recognition than our parents. After God, they are the cause of our existence. We owe them all the love, the affection, and care they provided in our favor even before our birth. How much work, sacrifices, and worries parents often suffer to provide their children with food, clothing, footwear, and everything necessary for subsistence! How much sleeplessness and anxiety when a child gets sick or suffers any other adversity! We know of many parents who have gone insane due to the loss of a child. I could recount several testimonials about what many parents have been capable of for the love of their children. We owe them thanks for the education we have received and what we are today. So, to whom, apart from our Creator, should human beings owe the greatest respect, veneration, and praise for their merits?

Love, respect, and obedience are three characteristics that every child wishing to honor their parents must have. The lack of respect and disobedience has been, in most cases, the cause of the unfortunate fate many children have suffered. For some, it has been prison for long, harsh years, for others, their lives have been cut short in their youth, and some have ended up miserable in the society they live in.

That is why the wise and holy commandment compels us to honor our parents, so that things may go well for us in life. For who better than them, who love us so much, can give us good advice and guide us on the right path? Here lies the just and kind reason for this commandment from the God of love.

As our eminent writer states,32 the home and the unity of the family are the primary foundations of any decent society. And children's relationships with their parents are an exact type of spiritual relationship between true Christians and God.

Obeying the fifth commandment results in the development of good habits and excellence of character that tend to prolong life. And in its final meaning, those who learn to respect and obey their parents will live more days on the earth.

Let us now consider what other biblical citations related to this commandment tell us:

Colossians chapter 3: verse 20: “Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord”.51

Ephesians chapter 6: verses 1 to 3: “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. 2Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) 3That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth”.51

Also, in the book of Proverbs chapter 1: verses 8 to 10 it says: My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: 9For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck. 10My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.51

Likewise, in Proverbs chapter 23: verse 22, the proverbist expresses: Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old.51