Honor is a big deal in the Bible. The concept of honor shows up all over both the Old and New Testaments.
But what does it really mean to honor someone, according to the Bible? Who should we honor? Who receives honor? And what happens when we dishonor someone?
Understanding what the Bible says about honor can help you grow as a person and live a more ethical life. Let’s explore some key Bible verses about honor to find out more.
The nature of honor and its biblical significance
What does it mean to “honor” someone in a biblical sense? And why is honor so important in the Bible?
Defining honor
In the Bible, honor is multi-faceted. It’s not just respect, but also reverence, esteem, and obedience. To honor someone is to acknowledge their worth and value.
The Bible often associates honor with righteousness and steadfastness. Proverbs 10:7 says, “The memory of the righteous is a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot.” Those who do right will be remembered with honor.
The source of honor
According to the Bible, honor comes from different sources. Sometimes, honor is bestowed by the Lord. Psalm 84:11 says, “For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.”
Other times, honor is linked to our actions and choices. Proverbs 3:16 says, “Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor.” Here, honor is associated with wisdom.
Ultimately, God’s judgement is given to the Son, whom he will honor.
Who to Honor According to the Bible
The Bible has a lot to say about honor, and it’s clear that honor should be given to particular people and institutions.
Honoring God
Above all else, we’re told to honor God. Jesus made it clear that honoring him is equivalent to honoring God the Father. As it says in John 5:23, “He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.”
The Bible also condemns those who give God lip service but whose hearts are far from him. As it says in Matthew 15:8, “THIS PEOPLE HONORS ME WITH THEIR LIPS, BUT THEIR HEART IS FAR AWAY FROM ME.”
Honoring Parents
Honoring your father and mother is a big deal in the Bible. This is one of the Ten Commandments, and it’s often linked to blessings and a long life. Ephesians 6:2-3 says, “‘HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER,’ which is the first commandment with a promise, ‘SO THAT IT MAY BE WELL WITH YOU, AND THAT YOU MAY LIVE LONG ON THE EARTH.'”
Honoring Others
The Bible also calls us to honor those in positions of authority and those who have served others. This includes elders, leaders, and anyone who is deserving of respect. We’re called to show respect to all people, no matter their social status. As it says in 1 Peter 2:17, “Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king.”
Diligence, Righteousness, and Honor
The concept of honor is often entwined with other virtues in the Bible, particularly diligence and righteousness.
The connection between diligence and honor
In the here and now, diligence often comes before honor. Hard work and sticking with it through thick and thin are often rewarded with recognition and respect from others.
Look for Bible verses that speak to the rewards of working hard and doing your best.
Honor and righteous living
Honor is also closely related to righteousness and caring for those less fortunate. Psalm 112:9 says, “He has given freely to the poor, His righteousness endures forever; His horn will be exalted in honor.”
Living an ethical life is essential to achieving lasting honor.
The Lord honors those who serve Him
The Lord extends honor to those who serve and follow Him. John 12:26 says, “If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me… if anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.”
The Consequences of Dishonor
The Bible makes it clear that dishonoring God, parents, or other authority figures comes with negative consequences. Disrespect can lead to judgment and separation from God, as well as broken relationships and a life filled with strife.
Reverence and respect are the antidotes to dishonor. When we cultivate a heart of humility and gratitude, we’re less likely to fall into the trap of pride and arrogance that leads to disrespectful actions. A humble heart recognizes the value and worth of others, treating them with the honor they deserve.
The Bible is full of examples of people who suffered the consequences of dishonor. From the story of Ham, who disrespected his father Noah, to the account of the rebellious children who mocked the prophet Elisha, these stories serve as a warning against the dangers of disrespect.
The Bottom Line
Honor — what it is, who deserves it, and what happens when we fail to give it — is a key theme in the Bible. Throughout both the Old and New Testaments, we’re called to live lives of honor, showing respect to God, our families, and our communities.
Living honorably isn’t just about following a set of rules. It’s about personal growth and ethical conduct. It’s about striving to be the best version of ourselves in our relationships, our work, and our spiritual lives.
So, take some time to think about your own actions and attitudes. Are you living a life that reflects the values and principles taught in the Bible? Are you showing honor to those around you? Strive to live a life that honors God and blesses others.