Asked in
Child Safety
The Bible
Manners and Etiquette

Why should you obey your elders?


User Avatar
Wiki User
September 02, 2011 12:07AM

One answer

Generally because they are older and having seen and done more, are more apt to know more. By virtue of the fact that they have lived longer you should at least give them enough respect to listen and weigh their advice. Their experiences just may save your hind part.

In addition, after spending time raising you (if they are family, etc), you may feel you owe it to them to be respectful.


You don't necessarily need to obey all elders, only those responsible for you (or those whose property or business you happen to be on or in). You should obey those who are responsible for you because it is their duty to protect you, teach you, or maintain your health and safety. When you are young, you need the guidance of people with experience in life. As you get older, pass through your teen years, you start to develop you own ideas and the urge for independence. Your elders are still responsible for you even then. It's a natural part of your development to start to resist this authority but you still need some guidance. You should at least listen to your elders until you are fully capable of keeping your own roof over your head, feeding and clothing yourself.

Answer according to the Bible:

According to the Bible:

Children who refuse to obey their parents must be executed.


He that smiteth his father, or his mother, shall be surely put to death. -- Exodus 21:15He that curseth his father, or his mother, shall surely be put to death. -- Exodus 21:17Children who mock their parents will have their eyes plucked out by ravens and eaten by eagles.
