Get the App

What Does the Bible Say About Respect?

Scripture reveals that respect flows from recognizing God's authority and extends to everyone around us—from the vulnerable to those in leadership to those we live closest to.

Scripture on Respect

1 Peter 2:17 New Testament
"Show proper respect to everyone: Love the family of believers, fear God, honor the king."
Proverbs 22:4 Old Testament
"Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life."
Romans 12:10 New Testament
"Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves."
Ephesians 5:33 New Testament
"However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband."
Leviticus 19:32 Old Testament
"Stand up in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the Lord."
The Bottom Line
Respect isn't about earning it from people; it's about honoring the image of God in them and submitting to His order.
Try Today

Pick one person you've taken for granted and do something specific to show you honor them—whether that's listening without interrupting, asking their opinion, or expressing gratitude for something they do.

Prayer

Jesus taught His disciples that greatness comes through humility and service (Matthew 23:11-12), and He invites us to pray with that same posture.

Father, I confess that respect doesn't come naturally to me—I'm quick to judge, slow to honor, and prone to thinking my way is best. Open my eyes to see You in the people around me, especially those I'm tempted to dismiss or overlook. Give me the humility to listen, to defer, to recognize that authority and wisdom don't always look like what I expect. Help me respect others not because they've earned it, but because they bear Your image. In Jesus' name, Amen.

📚 Read Ephesians 5 for Paul's vision of mutual respect in relationships and the church

Explore any Bible topic instantly

Search what the Bible says about anything — free, fast, and faith-first.

🍎 Download on the
App Store ▶️ Get it on
Google Play

Related Topics

What does the Bible say about Purpose?What does the Bible say about Mercy?What does the Bible say about Fathers?What does the Bible say about Rest?What does the Bible say about Money?What does the Bible say about Trust?