“Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.” Prov. 20:11.
2. What is the duty of every child?
“My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother.” Prov. 1:8.
3. What does the fifth commandment require of children?
“Honor thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.” Ex. 20:12.
Note.—While this precept refers directly to our earthly parents, it also includes God, our Father in heaven; for in honoring them we honor Him. To the child too young to know God, the earthly parent takes the place of God. Learning to honor, respect, and obey his earthly parents is the child's first and most important lesson in learning to honor, respect, and obey God, his Heavenly Parent. Benjamin Franklin well said: “Let a child's first lesson be obedience, and the second may be what thou wilt.”
4. For how long a time should one honor his parents?
“Harken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old.” Prov. 23:22.
Note.—As long as parents live, they should be honored and respected by their children. The duty enjoined in the fifth commandment does not cease at maturity, nor when the child leaves the parental roof.
