Thoughts on one of the "Ten Commandments"

We are taught, for those that believe, that Moses brought down the "Ten Commandment" from Mount Sinai.

In Exodus 20:12 the 4th or 5th Commandment, depending on who's numbering series you follow, it is stated: “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you."

In Deuteronomy 5:16 it is stated as such: “‘Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God commanded you, that your days may be long, and that it may go well with you in the land that the LORD your God is giving you."

Now, the word that is making me thoughtful is the word "honor". Honor can have several different meanings. One is to worship or revere, and another is to show a courteous regard for. You worship or revere someone when you honor them with an award. You show a courteous regard when you honor your promise.

Now you can see how the word honor can cause the Commandment to be read in different ways. Personally I don't think the Almighty was saying to worship or revere your parents and much as He was saying, "Show a courteous regard for your father and mother." In other words, He wants you to obey them.

If it is, in fact, the first meaning, then I feel that your father and mother need to earn that worship or reverence. When a parent neglects their offspring, like leaving them in a car to gamble, denying them basic medical care, then they do not deserve the worship or reverence of their children. This is also true when a parent disrespects their children. A parent must nurture and support their children. If that is not the case then the parent is not deserving of "honor" in that sense.

It all boils down to: One must earn respect, not demand it.

Addendum: Another meaning for the word honor is to cause pride in, as in, "A Klingon should die with honor."

In that case, yes, a child should honor their parents by doing right and not shaming the family name.