What is forbidden in the fifth commandment?
The fifth commandment forbiddeth the neglect of, or doing any thing against the honour and duty which belongeth to every one in their several places and relations.
Proofs
- The fifth commandment forbiddeth the neglect of, or doing any thing against the honour and duty which belongeth to every one in their several places and relations. (Matthew 15:4β6; Ezekiel 34:24; Romans 13:8)
Additional Exposition
Section 1
Is it a sin for children to be irreverent to their parents?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Cursed be he that setteth light by father or mother, (Deuteronomy 27:16)
Or disobedient?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagle shall eat it, (Proverbs 30:17)
Or wasteful?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: He that wasteth his father, or chaseth away his mother causeth shame, (Proverbs 19:26)
Or incorrigible?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Why do we such things, notwithstanding they hearkened not to the voice of their Father, (1 Samuel 23:25)
Is it a sin for parents not to love their children?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Such are without natural affection, (Romans 1:31)
Or to be remiss in their education?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: His sons make themselves vile, and he restraineth them not, (1 Samuel 3:12)
Section 2
Is it a sin for inferiors to be rude and undutiful to their superiors?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: For the child to behave himself proudly against the ancient, and the base against the honourable, (Isaiah 3:5)
And for superiors to be harsh and uncivil to inferiors?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Who say to the poor, stand thou there, or sit thou under my footstool, (James 2:3)
Is it a sin for equals to affect the pre-eminency?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: There was & strife among the disciples which of them should be accounted the greatest, (Luke 22:24)
Or to be vexatious and quarrelsome?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Lest there be debates, wraths, and envyings, (2 Corinthians 12:20)