How God Views Dishonoring Teens

December 26, 2022

Proverbs 30:17 

The eye that mocks at his father, and despises to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it.

The picture of a hollowed out eye cavity with blood dripping out of it is not a pleasant one. But it is the image that God uses to depict the haughty teenager who dishonors his father and mother. Perhaps we have grown cold to the dishonor of parents in a society where it is normative, especially among the teens. The teenage girl rolls her eyes and tells her mother, “Oh Mom, you are like… so… embarrassing me!” It is at that moment that the raven swoops down to pluck that arrogant eye right out of her face. But why should God wish to send a bird to do such bloody work? We are given, here, an insight into God’s perspective of this dishonor. He utterly abhors the arrogant teen’s attitude towards his or her parents. 

Many men and women will feel the brunt of this curse in their later years. Because of their refusal to honor their parents when they were younger, they are now dishonored by their own children. We see the unraveling of their marriages and family life, and more isolation, bitterness, and depression. Counseling offices fill up with people who never learned to honor their parents. Yet the counselors can do little for them but prescribe drugs that will disconnect them from the reality of their miserable lives. God’s sanctions are real upon those who ignore His law. 

May God bring repentance to the hearts of young and old alike! Where the seeds of this rebellion start to sprout, let us humbly acknowledge it and respond in confession and true repentance. Should a man be tempted to despise his father with his words, or share his father’s sins with others, he should look around for the ravens and the young eagles circling above. When a young seventeen-year-old boy arrogantly chides his mother or speaks condescendingly to his father, he should be wearing swimming goggles. As sure as there is a God in the heavens, he will suffer for this dishonor. Nevertheless, there is still mercy for those who see their sins and cry out to God for His salvation. 

Dishonor of parents is one of the pre-eminent sins of the day. If we are not repenting in this area, then we have yet to experience the power of the Gospel. In the midst of our social chaos and moral collapse, there is always hope for those who seek deliverance from these wretched sins at the cross of Christ! 

Family Discussion Questions: 

1. What happens to those who dishonor their parents? 

2. Are there any areas of dishonor creeping into our home that ought to be nipped in the bud?