Question. So far you have recited for me the laws of the first Table, in which the true worship of God—the fountain of all good things—is briefly contained, and all evil things against God are forbidden. Now therefore I would have you tell me: What are the duties of our charity and love toward men, which spring from the same fountain and are contained in the second Table?
Answer. The second Table begins thus: Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land which the Lord your God gives you.
Scripture Reference: Exod. 20:12; Deut. 5:16; Math. 15:4
Question What is meant here by the word “Honor”?
Answer. The honor of parents includes love, fear, and reverence; and consists in obeying them, serving, helping, and defending them; and also in feeding and supporting them, if ever they are in need.
Scripture References: Prov. 1:8; Mark 7:10-11; Col. 3:20; Heb. 12:9
Question. Does the law apply only to parents by nature?
Answer. All who are in authority, or worthy of reverence, are meant by the name of parents: such as princes, magistrates, ministers of the Church, schoolmasters, learned men, wise men, aged men, men of honor, and the like.
Scripture Reference: Deut. 17:9-10; Rom. 13:1; Luke 10:16; Levit. 19:32; 1 Tim. 5:1; Prov. 5:13
Question. Why are princes, magistrates, and other superiors, called by the name of Parents?
Answer. To teach us that they are given us of God, both for our own and the public benefit ; and so by the name of Parents, given to princes, magistrates, and other superiors, we are charged not only to obey them, but also to honour, and love them.
Scripture References: Rom. 13:4; Heb. 13:17
Question: What follows?
Answer: That God will bless those who are obedient and give due honor to their parents, princes, magistrates, and other superiors, with a long and happy life. And on the other hand, it follows that all who disobey or dishonor their parents, princes, magistrates, or superiors, shall come to a sudden, swift, and shameful death; or else shall live a life more wretched and vile than any death; and finally, for their disobedience and wickedness, shall suffer everlasting punishment in hell.
Scripture References: Exod. 20:12; Levit. 5:16; Eph. 6:23