Briefly stated, this means that we should fear and love God that we may not despise our parents and masters nor provoke them to anger, but give them honor, serve and obey them, and hold them in love and esteem.
God has given parenthood a special status above that of other relationships.
God commands us to love our brothers, sisters, and neighbors in general.
However, we are not only commanded to love our parents but also to honor
them. By requiring us to honor our parents, God places them at His side
as His representatives. Because honor not only involves love, but also
modesty, humility, and deference to authority, it is far higher than love.
Honor not only requires us to address our parents kindly and with reverence,
but also to act in such a way as to show that we esteem them very highly.
Therefore, we must teach the young to regard their parents as God's
representatives. Children should understand that no matter how lowly, poor,
frail, and odd their parents may be; they are nevertheless the father and
mother given them by God. Parents are not to be deprived of their honor
because of their shortcomings or lack of social graces. Our eyes should
not be upon them but upon the will of God. In other respects we are all
alike in the eyes of God, but God has given parents authority over their
children.
This commandment requires us to esteem our parents above all things
as the most precious treasure on earth. Furthermore, we are not to speak
to them roughly, haughtily, and defiantly; but yield to them and be silent
even if they go too far. Thirdly, we are to help them and provide for them
when they are old, sick, infirm, or poor. All of this we are to do gladly,
with humility and reverence, as doing it unto Christ. If our heart is in
accord with the will of God in this matter, we will not allow our parents
to be hungry or in need, but will care for them and share what we have
with them.
If this commandment had been taken seriously, monasticism and other
systems for earning salvation by works would never have been invented.
Instead of shutting themselves into a monastery and neglecting their parents,
children would have realized that it is far more holy to obey God's commandment
than to follow a man made system of piety. It is impossible to find a better
teacher than God! We will never be able to improve on God, and what He
commands is far superior to anything devised by man. The fact that God
commands it proves that it is pleasing to Him. Yet we see this commandment
neglected and replaced with the worthless works of men.
If God's commandment had been followed we would have a society of
godly children caring for their parents in a spirit of Christian love.
Such a society would be a joy to behold. However, God's commandment was
neglected and trampled under foot. Instead of caring for their parents,
children ran after the devices of men without ever having enough respect
for God to consult His Word.
Therefore, let us learn from the mistakes of the past. If our children
really want to please God let them begin by honoring their parents or those
they may be subject to in their stead. In contrast to works devised by
men, those who do what this commandment requires can be certain that they
are doing the will of God. Let all the monks come together, bringing all
of their distressing and difficult works, and they will not be able to
show one that is greater and nobler than obedience to father and mother.
As long as parents are doing the will of God and not opposing His commandments,
there is no obedience higher than obedience to the will and word of parents.
However, a father who urges his child to disobey one of God's commandments
has ceased to be that child's father, and has become an agent of Satan
who would seduce the child away from its true heavenly Father.
Learn to esteem this commandment and to realize how precious it
really is. All Carthusians, monks, and nuns would pay a tremendous price
if, in all their religious doings, they could bring into God's presence
a single work done in obedience to His commandment. Thank God that He has
chosen you to do such a precious work. Those who despise this commandment
and regard it as of little importance have been deceived. Learn to see
this commandment as a great and precious work, not because of any worthiness
on your part, but because it is the Word of God. On the day of judgement,
those who have neglected this commandment in favor of monastic piety shall
hide from the face of God and blush with shame in the presence of a young
child who has lived according to this commandment when they have not. And
it will serve them right for treading God's commandment under foot while
tormenting themselves with works of their own devising.
Therefore, rejoice when doing what God has commanded, for Satan
loves to deceive us with the glamour of our own works, and the world cares
nothing for the Word of God. Due to their spiritual blindness, the world
does not believe that this commandment could ever be superior to the sacrifices
of the Carthusians, who sometimes kill themselves by fasting and praying
upon their knees without ceasing, yet doing what God has commanded is better
than all of their false holiness.
Take what I say seriously and take it to heart, lest we again be
lead away from the pure Word of God to the deceitful works of Satan. If
you do life will be much better, for parents will have more joy, love,
friendship, and concord in their houses. Compliant children are a source
of joy, while those who are obstinate anger both God and their parents.
Children who try to please can captivate their parents' hearts, while those
who will not do what they ought until a rod is laid on their back deprive
themselves of much happiness and the joy of a clean conscience, while laying
up for themselves only misfortune. Many parents are too ignorant to give
their children godly training and a good example. One fool trains another,
and as they have lived so live their children after them. As a result,
everyone complains that both young and old are dishonest, that they have
no reverence or sense of honor, that they will do whatever wrong they can
get away with, and that they will not do right unless they are driven to
it by blows. In the long run, they loose God's blessing and sink into filth
and misery.
Because this commandment is so important, we ought to be thankful
if we have parents whom we can honor. After divine worship, showing honor
to our parents is the highest work we can do. It is a work that is pleasing
to God and the angels, yet vexes the devils. The giving of alms and every
other good work toward our neighbor is not equal to it. God has given parents
this high position as His representatives so that they might instruct their
children in godliness and bring them to faith in Christ. In response to
such godly instruction, children ought to acknowledge the debt of gratitude
that they owe to their parents and be all the more willing to show them
honor. The fact that such honor is the will and pleasure of God should
be all the incentive they need.
It is our duty to be grateful for every benefit that we have received
through our parents. However, the devil rules in this world, so children
forget their parents as we all forget God. No one considers how much we
owe to God's blessing. We give little thought to all the good that God
provides, or to the fact that He nourishes, protects, and defends us. When
trouble arises, it is far too easy for us to grow angry and grumble with
impatience while all the good we have received is blotted out of our memory.
We show the same ingratitude to our parents, and (except the Holy Ghost
grant him this grace) there is no child that understands and considers
what his parents have endured while nourishing and caring for him.
God is fully aware of this perverseness of human nature. Therefore,
He commands us to consider all that our parents have done for us. It is
from them that we have received body and life. They have fed us and reared
us when otherwise we might have perished one hundred times over in our
own filth. Therefore, he was wise indeed who came up with the saying, "To
God, to parents, and to teachers we can never render sufficient gratitude
and compensation." He who understands this will need no compulsion to honor
his parents or to care for them as those through whom God has done him
all good.
Over and above all this, there is another reason that should incite
us all the more to do what this commandment requires. God has attached
to this commandment a promise saying, "That you may live long upon the
land which the Lord, your God, gives you." Here you can see how earnest
God is in respect to this commandment. He not only makes it clear that
it is His will for us to honor our parents, but also promises His blessing
that we may have a pleasant life furnished with every good thing. That
blessing is offered to all who believe. Therefore, the Apostle Paul emphasizes
this commandment, saying, "This is the first commandment with promise:
That it may be well with you, and you may live long on the earth." (Ephesians
6:2-3) For although the other commandments have promises contained in them,
none is explicitly stated.
Happy days, fortune, and prosperity are the fruit and reward of
observing this commandment. On the other hand, those who disregard it shall
not enjoy life and shall perish sooner. For having long life in the sense
of the Scriptures is not only becoming old, but also having everything
which belongs to long life -- such as health, wife, and children, livelihood,
peace, good government, etc. -- without which this life can neither be
enjoyed in cheerfulness nor long endure. Therefore, if you will not obey
your father and mother and submit to their discipline, you will submit
to the police or to death. Those who, in faith, render love and service
receive love and service from God. Those who scorn His commandment may
wind up dead or on death row. Why do you think that our prisons are overcrowded
and there is so much violence in our society, except because of disobedience
to parents. Those who will not submit to right when it is taught by their
parents bring upon themselves misery, misfortune, and grief. Such people
rarely die a natural or timely death. In contrast, those who walk in righteousness
trusting in God's promise can usually expect to lead quiet and peaceable
lives and see their children's children.
Experience bears this out, for whenever we find old and honorable
families that have many children, their existence is due to the fact that
some were well bought up and regardful of their parents. On the other hand,
it is written of the wicked, Ps. 109:13, "Let his posterity be cut off;
and in the generation following let their name be blotted out." Therefore,
recognize the hand of God and realize how seriously He takes this commandment,
for His reward is great and His disfavor brings only misery and wrath.
All this I say that the truth may be impressed upon the young, for
few realize how important this commandment is. Everyone assumes that he
knows what the commandment means, and so passes over it lightly, with little
thought. They are so busy trying to discover things that are not explicitly
stated that they ignore what is explicitly stated in God's Word. They are
blind to the fact that God is offended by their indifference to His Word.
* This commandment comprehends all that God requires in regard to
our obedience of those in authority. For all God given authority stems
from, and has its origin in, the authority of parents. If a father starts
a business and then appoints certain of his employees to act as supervisors,
he delegates some of his authority to those supervisors. Likewise, if he
hires someone to teach his child, he delegates some of his parental authority
to the teacher. In the same way, if he hires someone to guard his place
of business, he must delegate some of his authority to the guard. The same
holds true when men set up a government. If one man is employed to guard
the community, the others delegate to him the right to protect and defend
their person and property. Thus, all who hold authority receive that authority
from parents. Since that is the case, it should be obvious that individuals
cannot delegate to rulers authority that they do not possess. If God has
not given parents the right to engage in criminal behavior, they cannot
give rulers the right engage in criminal behavior. If they do not have
the right to take your property, they cannot give a ruler the right to
take your property. Therefore, just as this commandment does not give parents
the right to do wickedness, it does not give to rulers the right to do
wickedness. Rulers are given authority so that they might be a terror to
evildoers and an encouragement to the righteous to the end that we might
be free to lead quiet and peaceable lives in all godliness and honesty
(1 Peter 2:14, 1 Timothy 2:2). It is never the will of God for rulers to
abuse their authority!
Since all authority comes from the authority of parents, we owe
those who are over us the same kindness and respect that we ought to show
our parents. Employees should do all that is expected of them, not reluctantly
because they are compelled to but cheerfully as unto Christ. They should
conduct themselves honestly, be grateful to their employer for the wage
he provides, and speak well of him at all times. That is the will of God
and only by doing it can they have joyful consciences and works pleasing
to God. For too long such works were ignored while those deceived by Satan
shut themselves up in convents, or went on pilgrimages, or bought indulgences,
always seeking a clean conscience, but receiving only an evil conscience.
If people could only see the truth they would leap up and praise
and thank God. For her tidy work a servant girl not only receives support
and wages, but also a treasure greater than those who seek righteousness
by works could ever attain. Isn't it invigorating to know that if you perform
your daily domestic tasks it is better than all of the sanctity and self-denial
of monks? In addition you have a promise that it shall be well with you.
As far as works are concerned, you could not lead a more blessed or holier
life for, in the sight of God, faith in Christ is what really renders a
person holy and serves God. Only those who have their sins washed away
by the blood of the Lamb are doing the will of God. All other works are
for the service of man. Once we come to faith, we serve others by letting
Christ live through us. Only then is what we do pleasing to God and rewarded
by Him. Therefore, do your work cheerfully, knowing that God will reward
you a hundredfold and that you have His blessing and protection. Outside
of His will, you will find no peace, misfortune shall be your lot, and
you will have nothing but wrath in the end.
Let the jailer or the executioner deal with those who care nothing
for God's command or promise. God is not playing games. Those who do His
will are His dear children, while those who despise His will have only
shame, misery, and grief for their reward.
The same could also be said of civil government, for just as parents
give us protection and security, rulers provide us with protection and
security. For that reason, we owe them our gratitude and respect, and it
is our duty to give them honor. Since they render us a service and have
expenses that must be met, we should reimburse them for their service.
However, rulers who use their power to terrorize and oppress the righteous
have abdicated their role as our protector and are unworthy of honor. God
will dispose of them.
The humble believer who is ready and willing to serve, cheerfully
doing what is right and honorable, is doing the will of God and can expect
God's blessing along with the peace and joy that goes with it. However,
if he will not serve in a spirit of love but despises and resists authority,
he will not have God's favor or blessing. Without God's blessing it will
not be well with him. What he hopes to gain by wrongdoing, he will lose
elsewhere ten times over. Without God's blessing upon his house, he will
experience no good from his children. He may suffer wrong, violence, and
injustice at the hands of others, Worse yet, he may wind up in prison,
or a victim of war, illness, or drug abuse. At any rate, we can be sure
that he will reap what he sows.
Whenever such works come from faith rather than from a self- righteous
desire to make ourselves holy, they are pleasing to God. If we would allow
ourselves to be persuaded that such works are pleasing to God and have
so rich a reward, we would be established in abundant possessions and have
what our heart desires. But because the word and command of God are so
lightly esteemed, as though it was the word of a babbler, the world is
full of unfaithfulness, disgrace, calamity, and murder. Are you ready to
oppose God? Do you think that He is unable to give you what you deserve?
You would certainly live much better with divine favor, peace, and happiness
than with His displeasure and misfortune. Yet everyone wants to do as he
pleases without any regard for the Word of God. Therefore, God punishes
one dishonorable person by another.
Yet whenever we suffer misfortune, we murmur and complain, but will
not see that we fully deserve what we receive. As a result, we complain
of unfaithfulness, violence, and injustice, but do not repent. No one wants
to look at his own sins. Our sinful heart is so totally possessed by madness
that we would get angry with God and rail against Him before we would confess
that we deserve only God's wrath and displeasure. As a result, we get nothing
but misfortune without mercy. Because of our sin, we do not deserve to
have a job, a house, or even a dime. I urge you to take what I say to heart
so the blindness might be lifted, and you might understand the Word and
will of God and earnestly accept it. All of the blessings we have are given
for the benefit of those who have been justified by faith. The rain falls
on the just and the unjust alike, but only those who have been washed in
the blood of the lamb have God's blessing and favor. Therefore, confess
your sins. Do not claim any righteousness of your own. And humbly look
to God for mercy, resting your heart on His promise of forgiveness in Christ
Jesus. It is only then that you will learn to have joy, happiness, and
salvation, both now and forevermore.
So far we have considered two kinds of fathers, those who have the
authority of a father by blood, and those to whom the authority of a father,
to punish wicked and disobedient children has been delegated. In other
words, those who care for the family and those who care for the country.
Besides these there are spiritual fathers. I am not talking about those
in the Papacy, who wish to be called Fathers without performing any function
of the paternal office, but those who bring us to faith in Christ and nurture
us with the gospel. (Romans 1:17) The Apostle Paul speaks of this fatherhood
when he says, "In Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the Gospel."
(1 Corinthians 4:15) The authority of this fatherhood is not the authority
of a Lord, who we are bound to obey, but the authority of the Word of God.
When one of these fathers speak the Word of God, we are bound to respect
him and obey him as if God Himself had spoken. We should also be respectful
when he voices his opinions, even though those opinions have no more authority
that the opinions of anyone else (Matthew 23:8). However, if he contradicts
the Word of God, his word must be rejected as the word of Satan. Yet the
way of the world is to do the opposite. This world is quick to reject and
condemn those who speak the word of God, while giving head to silly opinions
and running madly after falsehood and deception. (Luke 6:26, 1 Corinthians
4:13)
Therefore, the people need to be taught to esteem those who minister
to their soul as worthy of double honor. We should treat them kindly and
see that they are provided for. As you care for them, God will care for
you, bless you, and see that your needs are provided for. But those who
are stingy, begrudging the preacher anything beyond the bare necessities,
while having plenty to waste on entertainment and pleasure for themselves,
deserve to have God deprive them of His Word and blessing. Treasure those
who are faithful in proclaiming the gospel, lest preachers of lies arise
leading many to the devil.
Those who take this commandment to heart have the promise that what
they bestow upon their physical and spiritual fathers shall be richly recompensed
to them. It will be well with them, for they have long life, food, clothing,
money, and treasure in heaven. Therefore, do what is your duty, and trust
God to support you and provide for you sufficiently. Since He has promised
it, and cannot lie, you know that He will do it. This promise of God ought
to encourage us in giving, and give us hearts that would melt in pleasure
and love toward those to whom we owe honor. You ought to thank God for
such a promise. Such a promise would be worth traveling to the most remote
part of the earth to obtain. For without God's blessing, there is nothing
in the entire world that can add an hour to your life or cause a single
grain to spring from the earth. But God wishes to give you all exceeding
abundantly according to your heart's desire. Those who despise this promise
and cast it to the wind are not worthy to hear a word from God.
Although the Ten Commandments do not speak of how those in a position
of honor are to conduct themselves; the Bible speaks of it, and God desires
to have it taught in connection with this commandment. For God did not
give this commandment for the benefit of scoundrels and tyrants, nor does
He want such people in this office. The authority to govern was not given
to men that they might have themselves worshiped, but that they should
consider the fact that they are under an obligation to obey God. God expects
them to faithfully discharge their office while teaching those under their
authority, by word and example, to honor and praise God. Therefore, how
they conduct themselves it not left up to their arbitrary will and judgement,
but must be according to the will of God to whom they must give account.
Failing to understand this, many live as if God gave them children
for their own amusement, employees for their own profit, and subjects to
gratify their own desires. People are put to work just as a horse or ox
might be put to work, without any concern as to what they learn or how
they live. No one is willing to see that those in authority must account
to God, who will surely punish those who neglect their responsibility or
abuse their authority. The training of young people is a very serious responsibility.
A failure to train our children according to God's Word can have disastrous
results that last for generations -- as well as for eternity. If we are
to have wise and able persons for the administration of both civil and
ecclesiastical government, we must spare no effort, time, or cost in the
education of our children. And the emphasis in their education should not
be the accumulation of wealth, but how to serve God in the world. We are
to train them according to His will. Fathers and mothers exist to carry
out that training. The children belong to God, and parents are His stewards.
For that reason, parents who neglect their responsibility are in danger
of God's judgement and wrath. We are to bring our children up in the fear
and knowledge of God, and should prepare them, according to their ability,
that they might carry out the will of God in government, or in any other
job to which they are called. Such training would be a source of great
blessing to our society, for it would produce citizens who know the Word
of God and how to apply it. Such knowledge would produce strong homes,
chaste marriages, and domestic wives who are able to rear godly children.
On the other hand, great harm will result if you fail to bring up your
child to be a productive and God fearing adult. All of the evil we see
in our nation has resulted from a neglect of godly education. Therefore,
be warned. Those who shirk their responsibility have every reason to expect
God's wrath, and they may earn damnation by their own children.
[The above is based upon, and closely follows, Martin Luther's explanation
of the Fourth Commandment.]
*Martin Luther saw this commandment as a summary of all that the
Bible says about authority.