The Bible places great importance on honoring our parents. It’s one of the Ten Commandments and a recurring theme throughout Scripture. But what happens when parents are in the wrong? What if they cause harm, misuse their authority, or stray from God’s truth? Does honoring them mean staying silent or submitting to ungodliness? These are real questions many people wrestle with, especially those who love God and want to live righteously even when family dynamics are complicated.
The truth is, the Bible never paints human relationships as perfect, not even the ones between parents and children. Scripture acknowledges the brokenness of people and reminds us that everyone, including parents, can fall short. While respect is a biblical value, so are justice, truth, and accountability. There are moments when godly wisdom calls us to speak up, set boundaries, or seek healing from pain caused by those who were meant to protect us.
This isn’t about rebellion or dishonor. It’s about recognizing that human authority is never above God’s authority. The Word of God gives us examples, wisdom, and encouragement for navigating situations where parents are wrong, whether they acted out of ignorance, pride, fear, or sin. If you’re trying to love your parents while also healing from hurt or making sense of their mistakes, these Scriptures are for you.
Let God’s Word comfort, guide, and correct your understanding as you search for peace and healing amid broken parental relationships. These verses remind us that God sees everything. He is a Father to the fatherless, a healer of wounds, and a righteous judge when people misuse their roles.
Bible Verses About Parents Being Wrong
1. Colossians 3:21
Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.
2. Ephesians 6:4
Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
3. Matthew 10:37
Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me.
4. Ezekiel 18:20
The one who sins is the one who will die. The child will not share the guilt of the parent, nor will the parent share the guilt of the child.
5. Proverbs 28:13
Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
6. Psalm 27:10
Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me.
7. Isaiah 1:17
Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless.
8. Galatians 1:10
Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God?
9. Matthew 23:9
And do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father, and he is in heaven.
10. Acts 5:29
We must obey God rather than human beings.
11. 1 Samuel 2:29–30
Why do you honor your sons more than me…? Those who honor me I will honor.
12. Proverbs 22:6
Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.
13. 1 Timothy 5:8
Anyone who does not provide for their relatives… has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
14. Romans 12:17
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.
15. Proverbs 1:8–9
Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching…
16. Matthew 15:4–6
You nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition.
17. Proverbs 11:14
For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.
18. Micah 7:6
For a son dishonors his father, a daughter rises up against her mother… a man’s enemies are the members of his own household.
19. John 9:2–3
Who sinned, this man or his parents…? Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed.
20. Psalm 147:3
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
21. 1 Corinthians 15:33
Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”
22. Proverbs 19:18
Discipline your children, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to their death.
23. 2 Timothy 3:1–5
People will be… disobedient to their parents… having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.
24. Deuteronomy 24:16
Parents are not to be put to death for their children, nor children put to death for their parents.
25. Galatians 6:7
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.
26. Romans 14:12
So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.
27. Proverbs 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
28. Matthew 18:6
If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble…
29. 1 Peter 3:9
Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing.
30. Proverbs 3:5–6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.
31. Psalm 34:18
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
32. 2 Corinthians 1:3–4
The Father of compassion… comforts us in all our troubles.
33. 1 John 4:18
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear…
34. Luke 14:26
If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother… such a person cannot be my disciple.
35. Proverbs 20:7
The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them.
Our Thoughts On What the Bible Says About Parents Being Wrong
The Bible is clear that all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory, including parents. While God commands us to honor our father and mother, He does not ask us to ignore sin, stay silent in abuse, or accept ungodly behavior. Scripture reminds us that obedience to God comes first. When parents fail in their responsibility or act unjustly, God still sees, defends, and restores.
You are not wrong for seeking clarity, healing, or even distance in situations where your parents were not walking in truth. The goal is not rebellion, but righteousness. God is a Father who brings healing where earthly parents have failed. Lean into His truth and know that you are not alone. He understands your pain, and His Word can bring healing and wisdom as you move forward.
Say This Prayer
Lord, I come to You with a heart that’s carrying pain. You see what I’ve been through with my parents. You know the moments they were wrong, the times they failed me, and the confusion it left behind. Please help me walk in forgiveness while still honoring You with wisdom and strength.
Heal the places that still hurt. Teach me to set godly boundaries and to love with truth. I surrender my past, my memories, and my family into Your hands. Be my perfect Father and guide me in every step. In Jesus’ name, Amen.