Proverbs 15:5 (NKJV) — 5 A fool despises his father’s instruction, But he who receives correction is prudent.

Handling a father’s reproof. Those who despise their father’s instruction are fools. A sign of prudence is to regard reproof. Even when the father is not right, it is important to consider his words carefully and respond respectfully. A father can be wrong, and there may be cases when children cannot act on their father’s instruction because it contradicts God’s Word. (See Matthew 10:34-36.) But even if the father cannot be obeyed because his instructions are ungodly, he must be honored because he is the father. (See Exodus 20:12.) In general, children who are still at home under the direct authority of their parents are to obey them (Ephesians 6:1-2; Colossians 3:20). But even those who have left their father and mother to establish a new family and authority structure are to honor their parents.

[archive]