Honour and True Uprightness

“The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.” Proverbs 20:7

Honour is a must, but uprightness must come from within! Yesterday, we learnt that honour is a fundamental principle in the Bible, especially when it comes to honouring parents, authority, and others. But should parents demand honour? While honour is a command, it should not be something forced but rather something that is taught, modelled, and earned through love and righteous living. Honour given out of fear or obligation loses its true meaning. It is best when it comes from a willing heart that recognises the value of those in authority.

Growing up, I was taught that honouring parents is not just about obedience but about deep respect that flows from the heart. I remember moments when my parents corrected me—not because they wanted to control me, but because they loved me and wanted the best for my future. Now, as I reflect, I see how those lessons shaped my life.

However, I also realise that honouring others does not mean parents, leaders, or elders should base their behaviour on whether or not they receive honour. Their love, service, and leadership should not depend on recognition. Jesus Himself continued to serve, love, and lead, even when He was dishonoured by those around Him. He washed the feet of His disciples, including Judas, who would betray Him (John 13:12-17). He prayed for those who crucified Him, saying, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” Luke 23:34.

An old emperor once said, “A man should be upright, not be kept upright.” While we are commanded to honour, personal integrity and righteousness must come from within. A person should not rely on the honour of others to do what is right. Proverbs 11:3 reminds us, “The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.” True righteousness is about having a heart that chooses integrity, not one that requires constant affirmation or external pressure to act rightly.

I have also seen cases where leaders expect honour but fail to lead with integrity. King Joash is an example—he did what was right only when the priest Jehoiada was alive to guide him. But when Jehoiada died, Joash turned to wickedness (2 Chronicles 24:2,17-18). This shows that righteousness cannot be borrowed; it must be a personal conviction.

God calls us to honour those He has placed over us, not because they demand it, but because it is right. At the same time, those in positions of authority must continue to lead with integrity, love, and righteousness, whether they are honoured or not. This is the example Christ set, and it is the standard by which we must live.

Lord, help me to honour those you have placed in my life, not out of obligation, but with a willing heart. Teach me to walk in integrity, doing what is right even when no one is watching. May my actions reflect your love and righteousness, whether I receive honour or not. In Jesus’ name, Amen.