Toward a Searching and Fearless Moral InventoryHave I Obeyed the Fifth Commandment? |
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The Westminster Larger Catechism (1648) explains our duties under the Fifth Commandment.
First, you must agree that the Catechism has correctly explained the implications of the Commandment. Assuming it has, you must agree with God that you are obligated to carry out those principles in your life.
Second, you must ask yourself if you have violated each aspect of the command. This page is designed to help you pinpoint your offenses.
Third, you must take steps to develop the Character of Christ, and eliminate "character defects" from your life.
Question 123: Which is the fifth commandment?
Answer: The fifth commandment is, Honor thy father and thy mother; that thy days
may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God gives thee.
Question 124: Who are meant by father and mother in the fifth commandment?
Answer: By father and mother, in the fifth commandment, are meant, not only
natural parents, but all superiors in age and gifts; and especially such as, by God's
ordinance, are over us in place of authority, whether in family, church, or commonwealth.
Note: This is one of the most important questions in the Catechism, in my not-so-humble opinion. The Fifth Commandment applies to your birth parents, your foster parents, your adoptive parents, your guard in jail, your employer, your mayor, your popularly-elected president, your totalitarian dictator, your older brother, your aunts and uncles, your priest or pastor, the guy who knows more about algebra than you do and sometimes helps you with your homework, and the guy who is much better than you are at basketball and continually insults you when you miss an easy lay up.
The ability to HONOR someone who excels you in some way is one of the most effective antidotes to pride. It truly separates the men from the boys. And that's ironic, because it says that the test of maturity is the ability to act as an obedient child.
Tyrants are childish. Those who can submit to them with grace are true men.
Question 125: Why are superiors styled father and mother?
Answer: Superiors are styled father and mother, both to teach them in all duties
toward their inferiors, like natural parents, to express love and tenderness to them,
according to their several relations; and to work inferiors to a greater willingness and
cheerfulness in performing their duties to their superiors, as to their parents.
Question 126: What is the general scope of the fifth commandment?
Answer: The general scope of the fifth commandment is, the performance of those duties
which we mutually owe in our several relations, as inferiors, superiors, or equals.
Question 127: What is the honor that inferiors owe to their superiors.?
Answer: The honor which inferiors owe to their superiors is, all due reverence in heart,
word, and behavior; prayer and thanksgiving for them; imitation of their virtues and
graces; willing obedience to their lawful commands and counsels; due submission to their
corrections; fidelity to, defense and maintenance of their persons and authority,
according to their several ranks, and the nature of their places; bearing with their
infirmities, and covering them in love, that so they may be an honor to them and to their
government.
Question 128: What are the sins of inferiors against their superiors?
Answer: The sins of inferiors against their superiors are, all neglect of the duties
required toward them; envying at, contempt of, and rebellion against, their persons and
places, in their lawful counsels, commands, and corrections; cursing, mocking, and all
such refractory and scandalous carriage, as proves a shame and dishonor to them and their
government.
Question 129: What is required of superiors towards their inferiors?
Answer: It is required of superiors, according to that power they receive from God, and
that relation wherein they stand, to love, pray for, and bless their inferiors; to
instruct, counsel, and admonish them; countenancing, commending, and rewarding such as do
well; and discountenancing, reproving, and chastising such as do ill; protecting, and
providing for them all things necessary for soul and body: and by grave, wise, holy, and
exemplary carriage, to procure glory to God, honor to themselves, and so to preserve that
authority which God has put upon them.
Question 130: What are the sins of superiors?
Answer: The sins of superiors are, besides the neglect of the duties required of
them, an inordinate seeking of themselves, their own glory, ease, profit, or pleasure;
commanding things unlawful, or not in the power of inferiors to perform; counseling,
encouraging, or favoring them in that which is evil; dissuading, discouraging, or
discountenancing them in that which is good; correcting them unduly; careless exposing, or
leaving them to wrong, temptation, and danger; provoking them to wrath; or any way
dishonoring themselves, or lessening their authority, by an unjust, indiscreet, rigorous,
or remiss behavior.
Question 131: What are the duties of equals?
Answer: The duties of equals are, to regard the dignity and worth of each other,
in giving honor to go one before another; and to rejoice in each other's gifts and
advancement, as their own.
Question 132: What are the sins of equals?
Answer: The sins of equals are, besides the neglect of the duties required, the
undervaluing of the worth, envying the gifts, grieving at the advancement of prosperity
one of another; and usurping preeminence one over another.
Question 133: What is the reason annexed to the fifth commandment, the more to
enforce it?
Answer: The reason annexed to the fifth commandment, in these words, That thy
days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God gives thee, is an express promise of
long life and prosperity, as far as it shall serve for God's glory and their own good, to
all such as keep this commandment.
Q. 123. Which is the fifth commandment?
A. The fifth commandment is, Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be
long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. Exod. 20:12
Q. 124. Who are meant by father and mother in the fifth commandment?
A. By father and mother, in the fifth commandment, are meant, not
only natural parents, Prov. 23:22, 25; Eph. 6:1-2
| Proverbs 23:22 Listen to your father who begot you, And do not despise your mother when she is old. {25} Let your father and your mother be glad, And let her who bore you rejoice. | Do you agree that God commands you to honor your father and mother even though you may be an adult? |
| Ephesians 6:1-2 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. {2} "Honor your father and mother," which is the first commandment with promise: | Do you despise the promises God makes to those who honor their superiors? Do you agree that God wants you to seek His blessings by honoring your superiors? |
but all superiors in age 1 Tim. 5:1-2
| 1 Timothy 5:1-2 Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father, younger men as brothers, {2} older women as mothers, younger as sisters, with all purity. | Do you agree that you are to honor those who are older than you, even if you think they're "out of date?" |
and gifts; Gen. 4:20-22; Gen. 45:8
| Genesis 4:20-22 And Adah bore Jabal. He was the father of those who dwell in tents and have livestock. {21} His brother's name was Jubal. He was the father of all those who play the harp and flute. {22} And as for Zillah, she also bore Tubal-Cain, an instructor of every craftsman in bronze and iron. And the sister of Tubal-Cain was Naamah. | Do you agree that God commands you to honor those who have more talents than you? |
| Genesis 45:8 "So now it was not you who sent me here, but God; and He has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt. | Do you agree that God commands you to honor those who are over you in authority, because the giver of that authority is God? |
and especially such as, by God's ordinance, are over us in place of authority, whether in family, 2 Kings 5:13
| 2 Kings 5:13 And his servants came near and spoke to him, and said, "My father, if the prophet had told you to do something great, would you not have done it? How much more then, when he says to you, 'Wash, and be clean'?" | Do you agree that "honor your father" applies to those who are not your biological father? |
church, 2 Kings 2:12; 2 Kings 13:14; Gal. 4:19
| 2 Kings 2:12 And Elisha saw it, and he cried out, "My father, my father, the chariot of Israel and its horsemen!" So he saw him no more. And he took hold of his own clothes and tore them into two pieces. | Do you agree that "honor your father" applies to those who are not your biological father? |
| 2 Kings 13:14 Elisha had become sick with the illness of which he would die. Then Joash the king of Israel came down to him, and wept over his face, and said, "O my father, my father, the chariots of Israel and their horsemen!" | Do you agree that honor is sometimes due to people even if you occupy the highest rung on another hierarchy? |
| Galatians 4:19 My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you, | Do you agree that honor is due those who help you achieve the stature of Christ (Eph 4:13)? |
or commonwealth. Isa. 49:23
| Isaiah 49:23 Kings shall be your foster fathers, And their queens your nursing mothers; They shall bow down to you with their faces to the earth, And lick up the dust of your feet. Then you will know that I am the LORD, For they shall not be ashamed who wait for Me." | Do you see that "honor thy father" applies to kings, and yet even kings must show honor to others? |
Q. 125. Why are superiors styled father and mother?
A. Superiors are styled father and mother, both to teach them in all
duties toward their inferiors, like natural parents, to express love and tenderness to
them, according to their several relations; Eph. 6:4; 2 Cor. 12:14; 1 Thess.
2:7-8, 11; Num. 11:11-12
| Ephesians 6:4 And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord. | Do you agree that even though your children are to honor you, you must not dishonor them? |
| 2 Corinthians 12:14 Now for the third time I am ready to come to you. And I will not be burdensome to you; for I do not seek yours, but you. For the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children. | Do you agree that even though your children are to honor you, you have duties to your children? |
| 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8,11 But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children. {8} So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us. {11} as you know how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father does his own children, | Do you agree that even though your children are to honor you, you must be kind and loving in all you do? |
| Numbers 11:11-12 So Moses said to the LORD, "Why have You afflicted Your servant? And why have I not found favor in Your sight, that You have laid the burden of all these people on me? {12} "Did I conceive all these people? Did I beget them, that You should say to me, 'Carry them in your bosom, as a guardian carries a nursing child,' to the land which You swore to their fathers? | Do you agree that even though your children are to honor you, their obligation to you may be exceeded by the obligations you have toward them? |
and to work inferiors to a greater willingness and cheerfulness in performing their duties to their superiors, as to their parents. 1 Cor. 4:14-16; 2 Kings 5:13
| 1 Corinthians 4:14-16 I do not write these things to shame you, but as my beloved children I warn you. {15} For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. {16} Therefore I urge you, imitate me. | Do you agree that even though your children are to honor you, you have a duty to make it easier for them to honor you? |
| 2 Kings 5:13 And his servants came near and spoke to him, and said, "My father, if the prophet had told you to do something great, would you not have done it? How much more then, when he says to you, 'Wash, and be clean'?" |
Q. 126. What is the general scope of the fifth commandment?
A. The general scope of the fifth commandment is, the performance of those duties
which we mutually owe in our several relations, as inferiors, superiors, or equals.
Eph. 5:21; 1 Pet. 2:17; Rom. 12:10
| Ephesians 5:21 submitting to one another in the fear of God. | Do you agree that you have a duty to cultivate the fear of God, so that you can honor others? |
| 1 Peter 2:17 Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king. | |
| Romans 12:10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; |
Q. 127. What is the honour that inferiors owe to their superiors?
A. The honour which inferiors owe to their superiors is,
all due reverence in heart, Mal. 1:6; Lev. 19:3
| Malachi 1:6 "A son honors his father, And a servant his master. If then I am the Father, Where is My honor? And if I am a Master, Where is My reverence? Says the LORD of hosts To you priests who despise My name. Yet you say, 'In what way have we despised Your name?' | Do you agree that examination of your heart is the first step in honoring others? |
| Leviticus 19:3 'Every one of you shall revere his mother and his father, and keep My Sabbaths: I am the LORD your God. | Do you agree that outward honor cannot substitute for inward reverence? |
all due reverence in word, Prov. 31:28; 1 Pet. 3:6
| Proverbs 31:28 Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her: | Do you agree that God commands us to use words to express honor, even though we might think, "Well, she knows how I feel." |
| 1 Peter 3:6 as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror. | Do you agree that God commands us to give verbal indications of our honor, such as "lord," or perhaps in our day, "Sir"? |
and all due reverence in behaviour; Lev. 19:32; 1 Kings 2:19
| Leviticus 19:32 'You shall rise before the gray headed and honor the presence of an old man, and fear your God: I am the LORD. | Do you agree that God commands you to rise when a superior enters the room? |
| 1 Kings 2:19 Bathsheba therefore went to King Solomon, to speak to him for Adonijah. And the king rose up to meet her and bowed down to her, and sat down on his throne and had a throne set for the king's mother; so she sat at his right hand. | Do you agree that God requires external body language to convey honor? |
prayer and thanksgiving for them; 1 Tim. 2:1-2
| 1 Timothy 2:1-2 Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, {2} for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. | Do you agree that God commands you to pray for your superiors? |
imitation of their virtues and graces; Heb. 13:7; Phil. 3:17
| Philippians 3:17 Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. | Do you agree that God commands us to have a learner's spirit, to learn from our superiors? |
| Hebrews 13:7 Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct. | Do you agree that you should take time to learn about the habits of Godly people? |
willing obedience to their lawful commands and counsels; Eph. 6:1-2, 6-7; 1 Pet. 2:13-14; Rom. 13:1-5; Heb. 13:17; Prov. 4:3-4; Prov. 23:22; Exod. 18:19, 24
| Ephesians 6:1-2,6-7 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. {2} "Honor your father and mother," which is the first commandment with promise: {6} not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, {7} with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men, | Do you agree that you should obey your superior as if they were Christ Himself? |
| 1 Peter 2:13-14 Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake, whether to the king as supreme, {14} or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. | Do you agree that obedience is high on God's list of priorities? |
| Romans 13:1-5 Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. {2} Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. {3} For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. {4} For he is God's minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God's minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. {5} Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience' sake. | Do you believe that God sends people into your life to serve His purposes for you? Do you agree that these servants must be honored and obeyed, no matter what their irritating defects? |
| Hebrews 13:17 Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you. | Do you agree that we have a responsibility to make the tasks of our superiors more endurable? |
| Proverbs 4:3-4 When I was my father's son, Tender and the only one in the sight of my mother, {4} He also taught me, and said to me: "Let your heart retain my words; Keep my commands, and live. | Do you agree that God wants us to put the commands of our superiors in our heart, and to obey them. |
| Proverbs 23:22 Listen to your father who begot you, And do not despise your mother when she is old. | |
| Exodus 18:19 "Listen now to my voice; I will give you counsel, and God will be with you: Stand before God for the people, so that you may bring the difficulties to God. {24} So Moses heeded the voice of his father-in-law and did all that he had said. | Moses obeyed his superior, who told Moses to be a superior to the People. Are you learning something of the ways of God? |
due submission to their corrections; Heb. 12:9; 1 Pet. 2:18-20
| Hebrews 12:9 Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? | Do you agree that when you experience punishments, that you should treat it as coming from God, even if it comes from an obnoxious person you don't like? |
| 1 Peter 2:18-20 Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh. {19} For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully. {20} For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. | Do you agree that you should honor and obey those who are over you, even
if they are harsh (froward, wicked, etc.)? Do you agree that Christians should be punished for doing good, rather than for doing something wrong? |
fidelity to, Tit. 2:9-10
| Titus 2:9-10 Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back, {10} not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things. | Do you agree that you should be
so that your superior will honor Christ? |
defence, 1 Sam. 26:15-16; 2 Sam. 18:3; Esther 6:2
| 1 Samuel 26:15-16 So David said to Abner, "Are you not a man? And who is like you in Israel? Why then have you not guarded your lord the king? For one of the people came in to destroy your lord the king. {16} "This thing that you have done is not good. As the LORD lives, you deserve to die, because you have not guarded your master, the Lord's anointed. And now see where the king's spear is, and the jug of water that was by his head." | Do you agree that even though Israel sinned in asking for a king (1 Samuel
8), they still had responsibilities to defend the king? Do you agree that you have duties to defend your superiors, even if they are evil? |
| 2 Samuel 18:3 But the people answered, "You shall not go out! For if we flee away, they will not care about us; nor if half of us die, will they care about us. But you are worth ten thousand of us now. For you are now more help to us in the city." | Do you agree that you have a duty to try to keep your superior from making an unwise decision, even when your pride tempts you to let him make a fool of himself? |
| Esther 6:2 And it was found written that Mordecai had told of Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king's eunuchs, the doorkeepers who had sought to lay hands on King Ahasuerus. | Do you agree that you have a duty to defend your superior, even if you may not immediately be honored? (Est. 2:21ff.) |
and maintenance of their persons and authority, according to their several ranks, and the nature of their places; Matt. 22:21; Rom. 13:6-7; 1 Tim. 5:17-18; Gal. 6:6; Gen. 45:11; Gen. 47:12
| Matthew 22:21 They said to Him, "Caesar's." And He said to them, "Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." | If we rendered to God ALL the things that are God's, would there be a Caesar? But since we haven't rendered all to God, doesn't God require us to render something to Caesar? |
| Romans 13:6-7 For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God's ministers attending continually to this very thing. {7} Render therefore to all their due: tribute to whom tribute is due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor. | When our conquerors levy a tribute on us, should our attitude be grumbling, or should we seek to be more like Christ? |
| 1 Timothy 5:17-18 Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine. {18} For the Scripture says, "You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain," and, "The laborer is worthy of his wages." | Do you agree that you should honor someone who helps you understand the Scriptures? |
| Galatians 6:6 Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches. | |
| Genesis 45:11 "There I will provide for you, lest you and your household, and all that you have, come to poverty; for there are still five years of famine."' | Do you agree that Joseph is a model for you to provide for others when God blesses you, rather than blowing your surplus on transitory, short-lived entertainment or escape? |
| Genesis 47:12 Then Joseph provided his father, his brothers, and all his father's household with bread, according to the number in their families. |
bearing with their infirmities, and covering them in love, 1 Pet. 2:18; Prov. 23:22; Gen. 9:23
| 1 Peter 2:18 Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh. | Do you agree that even if your boss is harsh and unreasonable, that you should still honor him? |
| Proverbs 23:22 Listen to your father who begot you, And do not despise your mother when she is old. | Do you agree that even if you have the means, and are more powerful than the one God has called you to honor, you must obey God and give honor? |
| Genesis 9:23 But Shem and Japheth took a garment, laid it on both their shoulders, and went backward and covered the nakedness of their father. Their faces were turned away, and they did not see their father's nakedness. | Do you agree that if your superior sins and gives you an opportunity to humiliate him, you must cover his mistakes and honor him? |
that so they may be an honour to them and to their government. Ps. 127:3-5; Prov. 31:23
| Psalms 127:3-5 Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward. {4} Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one's youth. {5} Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; They shall not be ashamed, But shall speak with their enemies in the gate. | Do you agree that you have an obligation to fulfill God's commands and receive God's blessings so that your superior will be honored? |
| Proverbs 31:23 Her husband is known in the gates, When he sits among the elders of the land. |
Q. 128. What are the sins of inferiors against their superiors?
A. The sins of inferiors against their superiors are, all neglect of the duties
required toward them; Matt. 15:4-6
| Matthew 15:4-6 "For God commanded, saying, 'Honor your father and your mother'; and, 'He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death.' {5} "But you say, 'Whoever says to his father or mother, "Whatever profit you might have received from me is a gift to God"; {6} 'then he need not honor his father or mother.' Thus you have made the commandment of God of no effect by your tradition. | Do you agree that you have an obligation to learn your duties, so that you won't neglect them, and won't be deceived into following the traditions of men instead? |
envying at, Num. 11:28-29
| Numbers 11:28-29 So Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' assistant, one of his choice men, answered and said, "Moses my lord, forbid them!" {29} Then Moses said to him, "Are you zealous for my sake? Oh, that all the Lord's people were prophets and that the LORD would put His Spirit upon them!" | Do you agree that God forbids you to have an evil eye when someone you
know is promoted or more talented than you? Do you agree that you should work to make sure others are successful? |
contempt of, 1 Sam. 8:7; Isa. 3:5
| 1 Samuel 8:7 And the LORD said to Samuel, "Heed the voice of the people in all that they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them. | Do you agree that you must not reject God? |
| Isaiah 3:5 The people will be oppressed, Every one by another and every one by his neighbor; The child will be insolent toward the elder, And the base toward the honorable." | Do you agree that you must become a servant, rather than an insolent oppressor? |
and rebellion 2 Sam. 15:1-12
| 2 Samuel 15:1-12 After this it happened that Absalom provided himself with chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him. {2} Now Absalom would rise early and stand beside the way to the gate. So it was, whenever anyone who had a lawsuit came to the king for a decision, that Absalom would call to him and say, "What city are you from?" And he would say, "Your servant is from such and such a tribe of Israel." {3} Then Absalom would say to him, "Look, your case is good and right; but there is no deputy of the king to hear you." {4} Moreover Absalom would say, "Oh, that I were made judge in the land, and everyone who has any suit or cause would come to me; then I would give him justice." {5} And so it was, whenever anyone came near to bow down to him, that he would put out his hand and take him and kiss him. {6} In this manner Absalom acted toward all Israel who came to the king for judgment. So Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel. {7} Now it came to pass after forty years that Absalom said to the king, "Please, let me go to Hebron and pay the vow which I made to the LORD. {8} "For your servant took a vow while I dwelt at Geshur in Syria, saying, 'If the LORD indeed brings me back to Jerusalem, then I will serve the LORD.'" {9} And the king said to him, "Go in peace." So he arose and went to Hebron. {10} Then Absalom sent spies throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, "As soon as you hear the sound of the trumpet, then you shall say, 'Absalom reigns in Hebron!'" {11} And with Absalom went two hundred men invited from Jerusalem, and they went along innocently and did not know anything. {12} Then Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's counselor, from his city; from Giloh; while he offered sacrifices. And the conspiracy grew strong, for the people with Absalom continually increased in number. |
Do you agree that "rebellion" is not just saying "no" to the command of a superior, but attempting to take his authority without God's warrant? |
against their persons Exod. 21:15
| Exodus 21:15 "And he who strikes his father or his mother shall surely be put to death. | Do you agree that God takes honoring parents seriously? What about
Jesus? |
and places, 1 Sam. 10:27
| 1 Samuel 10:27 But some rebels said, "How can this man save us?" So they despised him, and brought him no presents. But he held his peace. | Do you agree that even when a dictator has no legitimate authority, that contempt of his position can encourage rebellion in others? |
in their lawful counsels, 1 Sam. 2:25
| 1 Samuel 2:25 "If one man sins against another, God will judge him. But if a man sins against the LORD, who will intercede for him?" Nevertheless they (viz., the sons of Eli) did not heed the voice of their father, because the LORD desired to kill them. | Do you agree that if you sincerely pray that God will give you a heart that does not rebel against the lawful commands of your superiors, that your prayer will confirm that God has removed the death sentence on you? |
commands, and corrections; Deut. 21:18-21
| Deuteronomy 21:18-21 "If a man has a stubborn and rebellious son who will not obey the voice of his father or the voice of his mother, and who, when they have chastened him, will not heed them, {19} "then his father and his mother shall take hold of him and bring him out to the elders of his city, to the gate of his city. {20} "And they shall say to the elders of his city, 'This son of ours is stubborn and rebellious; he will not obey our voice; he is a glutton and a drunkard.' {21} "Then all the men of his city shall stone him to death with stones; so you shall put away the evil from among you, and all Israel shall hear and fear. | Do you agree that God is deeply offended when your superior corrects you and you still persist in your unGodly ways? |
| Death Penalty Debate |
cursing, mocking Prov. 30:11, 17
| Proverbs 30:11 There is a generation that curses its father, And does not bless its mother. {17} The eye that mocks his father, And scorns obedience to his mother, The ravens of the valley will pick it out, And the young eagles will eat it. | Do you agree that God takes seriously your ungrateful and offensive language toward your parents, employers, and other superiors? |
and all such refractory and scandalous carriage, as proves a shame and dishonour to them and their government. Prov. 19:26
| Proverbs 19:26 He who mistreats his father and chases away his mother Is a son who causes shame and brings reproach. | Do you agree that God takes seriously your behavior which embarrasses your parents, employers and other superiors? |
Q. 129. What is required of superiors towards their inferiors?
A. It is required of superiors, according to that power they receive from God, and
that relation wherein they stand, to love, Col. 3:19; Tit. 2:4
| Colossians 3:19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them. | Do you agree that God commands you to love your wife . . . |
| Titus 2:4 that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, | . . . and children? |
pray for, 1 Sam. 12:23; Job 1:5
| 1 Samuel 12:23 "Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you; but I will teach you the good and the right way. | Do you agree that God commands you to pray for your children, no matter
how far away they are, that they would learn the good and the right way? Do you agree that you have a responsibility to see that they learn it? |
| Job 1:5 So it was, when the days of feasting had run their course, that Job would send and sanctify them, and he would rise early in the morning and offer burnt offerings according to the number of them all. For Job said, "It may be that my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts." Thus Job did regularly. | Do you agree that you should take responsibility for the sins of your children? |
and bless their inferiors; 1 Kings 8:55-56; Heb 7:7; Gen. 49:28
| 1 Kings 8:55-56 Then he stood and blessed all the assembly of Israel with a loud voice, saying: {56} "Blessed be the LORD, who has given rest to His people Israel, according to all that He promised. There has not failed one word of all His good promise, which He promised through His servant Moses. | Do you agree that you have a responsibility to seek the wholeness, prosperity, and safety of your children, employees, and other inferiors? |
| Hebrews 7:7 Now beyond all contradiction the lesser is blessed by the better. | Do you know what the Bible means by "blessed?" |
| Genesis 49:28 All these are the twelve tribes of Israel, and this is what their father spoke to them. And he blessed them; he blessed each one according to his own blessing. | Do you agree you have a responsibility to be able to provide blessing to your children? |
to instruct, Deut. 6:6-7
| Deuteronomy 6:6-7 "And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. {7} "You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. | Do you agree you have a responsibility to be always speaking of God's Law
to your children, employees, and other inferiors? Do you realize that if you are a good harmonica player, that other harmonica players will respect what you say about God's Law because you excell them in harmonica playing? Rather than doubting this fact, do you agree that God wants to see you taking advantage of it? |
counsel, and admonish them; Eph. 6:4
| Ephesians 6:4 And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord. | Do you agree that you have a very important responsibility to counsel and admonish your children, to bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord? |
countenancing, 1 Pet. 3:7
| 1 Peter 3:7 Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered. | Do you agree that God will not hear your prayers unless you treat your inferiors like fragile but valuable china cups? |
commending, 1 Pet. 2:14; Rom. 13:3
| 1 Peter 2:14 or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. | Do you agree you have a responsibility to praise and commend your inferiors when they do good, which perhaps exceeds your responsibility to rebuke them when they do wrong? |
| Romans 13:3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. | Do you agree that your failure to commend your inferiors creates in them dysfunctional views toward authority, including God Himself? |
and rewarding such as do well; Esth. 6:3
| Esther 6:3 Then the king said, "What honor or dignity has been bestowed on Mordecai for this?" And the king's servants who attended him said, "Nothing has been done for him." | Do you agree that you have a responsibility to reward your inferiors in some tangible way, beyond their basic salary? |
and discountenancing, Rom. 13:3-4
| Romans 13:3-4 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. {4} For he is God's minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God's minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. | Do you agree that you have a responsibility to say NO to evil done by your children, employees, or other inferiors? |
reproving, and chastising such as do ill; Prov. 29:15; 1 Pet. 2:14.(See above in letter p.)
| Proverbs 29:15 The rod and rebuke give wisdom, But a child left to himself brings shame to his mother. | Do you agree that when you learn that your children, employees or other inferiors have done evil, you cannot bury your head in the sand? |
| 1 Peter 2:14 or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. | Do you agree that God has sent you to take action when your inferiors do evil? |
protecting, Job 29:13-16; Isa. 1:10, 17
| Job 29:13-16 The blessing of a perishing man came upon me, And I caused the widow's heart to sing for joy. {14} I put on righteousness, and it clothed me; My justice was like a robe and a turban. {15} I was eyes to the blind, And I was feet to the lame. {16} I was a father to the poor, And I searched out the case that I did not know. | Do you agree that God commands you find a perishing man, a widow, a blind man, a lame man and those without adequate resources so that you can protect them? |
| Isaiah 1:10 Hear the word of the LORD, You rulers of Sodom; Give ear to the law of our God, You people of Gomorrah: {17} Learn to do good; Seek justice, Rebuke the oppressor; Defend the fatherless, Plead for the widow. | Do you understand that if you fail to search out these needy inferiors, that you are as offensive in God's sight as the sodomites of Gomorrah? |
and providing for them all things necessary for soul Eph. 6:4
| Ephesians 6:4 And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord. | Do you agree that you must acquire the ability to provide to your inferiors whatever is necessary for the health of their soul? |
and body: 1 Tim. 5:8
| 1 Timothy 5:8 But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. | Do you agree that you must acquire the ability to provide to your inferiors whatever is necessary for the health of their body? |
and by grave, wise, holy, and exemplary carriage, to procure glory to God, 1 Tim. 4:12; Tit. 2:3-5
| 1 Timothy 4:12 Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. | Do you agree that God requires you to be a good example to your inferiors in love, in spirit, in faith, and in purity? |
| Titus 2:3-5 the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; {4} that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, {5} to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed. | Do you agree that your failure to be a good example to your inferiors can cause God to be blasphemed? |
honour to themselves, 1 Kings 3:28
| 1 Kings 3:28 And all Israel heard of the judgment which the king had rendered; and they feared the king, for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him to administer justice. | Do you agree that you have a requirement to be a good example so that your inferiors will respect you . . . |
and so to preserve that authority which God hath put upon them. Tit. 2:15
| Titus 2:15 Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you. | . . . and listen to you when you speak to them of the things of God? |
Q. 130. What are the sins of superiors?
A. The sins of superiors are, besides the neglect of the duties required of them,
Ezek. 34:2-4
| Ezekiel 34:2-4 "Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy and say to them, 'Thus says the Lord GOD to the shepherds: "Woe to the shepherds of Israel who feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed the flocks? {3} "You eat the fat and clothe yourselves with the wool; you slaughter the fatlings, but you do not feed the flock. {4} "The weak you have not strengthened, nor have you healed those who were sick, nor bound up the broken, nor brought back what was driven away, nor sought what was lost; but with force and cruelty you have ruled them. | Do you agree that you have a duty to learn your duties as a superior so as not to neglect them or become deceived by the traditions of men? |
and inordinate seeking of themselves, Phil. 2:21
| Philippians 2:21 For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus. | Do you agree that it is a sin to seek respect for yourself, when that respect is not a tool for nurturing Godliness in others? |
their own glory, John 5:44; John 7:18
| John 5:44 "How can you believe, who receive honor from one another, and do not seek the honor that comes from the only God? | Do you understand that when you seek your own glory, your heart is hardened and you are kept from believing the Gospel? |
| John 7:18 "He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but He who seeks the glory of the One who sent Him is true, and no unrighteousness is in Him. | Do you understand that your goal is to have others glorify God, not to have them glorify you? |
ease, profit, or pleasure; Isa. 56:10-11; Deut. 17:17
| Isaiah 56:10-11 His watchmen are blind, They are all ignorant; They are all dumb dogs, They cannot bark; Sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber. {11} Yes, they are greedy dogs Which never have enough. And they are shepherds Who cannot understand; They all look to their own way, Every one for his own gain, From his own territory. | Do you agree that you must not exploit your inferiors for your own ease, profit or pleasure, but must be willing to sacrifice these for their benefit? |
| Deuteronomy 17:17 "Neither shall he multiply wives for himself, lest his heart turn away; nor shall he greatly multiply silver and gold for himself. | Do you understand that Christ the King is Supreme Authority, yet he needs
no armies or gold, and "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but
the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head." Matthew 8:20 |
commanding things unlawful, Dan. 3:4-6; Acts 4:17-18
| Daniel 3:4-6 Then a herald cried aloud: "To you it is commanded, O peoples, nations, and languages, {5} "that at the time you hear the sound of the horn, flute, harp, lyre, and psaltery, in symphony with all kinds of music, you shall fall down and worship the gold image that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up; {6} "and whoever does not fall down and worship shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace." | Do you know the penalty for commanding your children, employees, or other
inferiors to do something which is not lawful? Dan 4:31 "King Nebuchadnezzar, to
you it is spoken: the kingdom has departed from you! |
| Acts 4:17-18 "But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in this name." {18} And they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. | Do you know how the Jewish leaders were punished for
prohibiting their inferiors from doing good? Deu 28:52 "They shall besiege you at
all your gates until your high and fortified walls, in which you trust, come down
throughout all your land; and they shall besiege you at all your gates throughout all your
land which the LORD your God has given you. |
or not in the power of inferiors to perform; Exod. 5:10-18; Matt. 23:2, 4
| Exodus 5:10-18 And the taskmasters of the people and their officers went out and spoke to the people, saying, "Thus says Pharaoh: 'I will not give you straw. {11} 'Go, get yourselves straw where you can find it; yet none of your work will be reduced.'" {12} So the people were scattered abroad throughout all the land of Egypt to gather stubble instead of straw. {13} And the taskmasters forced them to hurry, saying, "Fulfill your work, your daily quota, as when there was straw." {14} Also the officers of the children of Israel, whom Pharaoh's taskmasters had set over them, were beaten and were asked, "Why have you not fulfilled your task in making brick both yesterday and today, as before?" {15} Then the officers of the children of Israel came and cried out to Pharaoh, saying, "Why are you dealing thus with your servants? {16} "There is no straw given to your servants, and they say to us, 'Make brick!' And indeed your servants are beaten, but the fault is in your own people." {17} But he said, "You are idle! Idle! Therefore you say, 'Let us go and sacrifice to the LORD.' {18} "Therefore go now and work; for no straw shall be given you, yet you shall deliver the quota of bricks." | Do you know how God punished the Egyptians for laying burdens on their
inferiors which they could not perform? Exodus 15:4 Pharaoh's chariots and his army He
has cast into the sea; his chosen captains also are drowned in the Red Sea. |
| Matthew 23:2 saying: "The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat. {4} "For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. | Do you know how the Jewish leaders were punished for laying burdens on the people which they could not perform? |
counseling them in that which is evil, Matt. 14:8; Mark 6:24
| Matthew 14:8 So she, having been prompted by her mother, said, "Give me John the Baptist's head here on a platter." | Do you agree that you must never counsel your children, employees or other inferiors to do that which is wrong? |
| Mark 6:24 So she went out and said to her mother, "What shall I ask?" And she said, "The head of John the Baptist!" |
encouraging them in that which is evil, 2 Sam. 13:28
| 2 Samuel 13:28 Now Absalom had commanded his servants, saying, "Watch now, when Amnon's heart is merry with wine, and when I say to you, 'Strike Amnon!' then kill him. Do not be afraid. Have I not commanded you? Be courageous and valiant." | "You can do it; no one will find out." |
or favouring them in that which is evil; 1 Sam. 3:13
| 1 Samuel 3:13 "For I have told him that I will judge his house forever for the iniquity which he knows, because his sons made themselves vile, and he did not restrain them. | Do you understand that God will judge your entire family or business if you allow your inferiors to commit evil? |
dissuading, discouraging, or discountenancing them in that which is good; John 7:46-49; Col. 3:21; Exod. 5:17
| John 7:46-49 The officers answered, "No man ever spoke like this Man!" {47} Then the Pharisees answered them, "Are you also deceived? {48} "Have any of the rulers or the Pharisees believed in Him? {49} "But this crowd, that does not know the law, is accursed." | Do you understand that as a parent or employer it is especially heinous for you to discourage or insult others when they seek to do the right thing? |
| Colossians 3:21 Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged. | |
| Exodus 5:17 But he said, "You are idle! Idle! Therefore you say, 'Let us go and sacrifice to the LORD.' |
correcting them unduly; 1 Pet. 2:18-20; Heb. 12:10; Deut. 25:3
| 1 Peter 2:18-20 Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh. {19} For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully. {20} For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. | Do you agree that harsh corrections are wrong? |
| Hebrews 12:10 For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness. | Do you agree that we must always examine ourselves to see if we are unduly correcting our inferiors? |
| Deuteronomy 25:3 "Forty blows he may give him and no more, lest he should exceed this and beat him with many blows above these, and your brother be humiliated in your sight. | Do you agree that it is wrong to treat your inferior harshly, because it breaks his spirit? |
careless exposing, or leaving them to wrong, temptation, and danger; Gen. 38:11, 26; Acts 18:17
| Genesis 38:11 Then Judah said to Tamar his daughter-in-law, "Remain a widow in your father's house till my son Shelah is grown." For he said, "Lest he also die like his brothers." And Tamar went and dwelt in her father's house. {26} So Judah acknowledged them and said, "She has been more righteous than I, because I did not give her to Shelah my son." And he never knew her again. | [News item: unattended child is killed in Nevada casino restroom as parent gambles.] |
| Acts 18:17 Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat. But Gallio took no notice of these things. | Do you agree that it is wrong for us to fail to be attentive to the needs of our inferiors? |
provoking them to wrath; Eph. 6:4
| Ephesians 6:4 And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord. | Do you understand that they anger you vent on your inferiors provokes them to wrath, which they pass on to their inferiors? |
or any way dishonouring themselves, or lessening their authority, by an unjust, indiscreet, rigorous, or remiss behaviour. Gen. 9:21; 1 Kings 12:13-16; 1 Kings 1:6; 1 Sam. 2:29-31
| Genesis 9:21 Then he drank of the wine and was drunk, and became uncovered in his tent. | |
| 1 Kings 12:13-16 Then the king answered the people roughly, and rejected the advice which the elders had given him; {14} and he spoke to them according to the advice of the young men, saying, "My father made your yoke heavy, but I will add to your yoke; my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scourges!" {15} So the king did not listen to the people; for the turn of events was from the LORD, that He might fulfill His word, which the LORD had spoken by Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam the son of Nebat. {16} Now when all Israel saw that the king did not listen to them, the people answered the king, saying: "What share have we in David? We have no inheritance in the son of Jesse. To your tents, O Israel! Now, see to your own house, O David!" So Israel departed to their tents. | |
| 1 Kings 1:6 (And his father had not rebuked him at any time by saying, "Why have you done so?" He was also very good-looking. His mother had borne him after Absalom.) | |
| 1 Samuel 2:29-31 'Why do you kick at My sacrifice and My offering which I have commanded in My dwelling place, and honor your sons more than Me, to make yourselves fat with the best of all the offerings of Israel My people?' {30} "Therefore the LORD God of Israel says: 'I said indeed that your house and the house of your father would walk before Me forever.' But now the LORD says: 'Far be it from Me; for those who honor Me I will honor, and those who despise Me shall be lightly esteemed. {31} 'Behold, the days are coming that I will cut off your arm and the arm of your father's house, so that there will not be an old man in your house. |
The honor we owe to those who are our superiors, and the care we owe to those who are our inferiors, are to be learned and expressed toward those who are neither inferior nor superior, but are just like us.
Q. 131. What are the duties of equals?
A. The duties of equals are, to regard the dignity and worth of each other,
1 Pet. 2:17
| 1 Peter 2:17 Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king. | Do you agree that human beings are wonderful things, deserving of dignity
and honor? Psa 139:14 I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well. |
in giving honour to go one before another; Rom. 12:10
| Romans 12:10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; | Do you agree that you should put others first, ahead of yourself? |
and to rejoice in each others' gifts and advancement, as their own. Rom. 12:15-16; Phil. 2:3-4
| Romans 12:15-16 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. {16} Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. | Do you understand that life is not a zero-sum game? That the success of your neighbor's crop does not depend on the failure of yours? That when your neighbor's crop fails, you will pay higher prices? Your lot is cast with that of your neighbor. |
| Philippians 2:3-4 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. {4} Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. | Do you agree that you are not so important or autonomous that you have no duty to care for your neighbor? |
Q. 132. What are the sins of equals?
A. The sins of equals are, besides the neglect of the duties required,
Rom. 13:8
| Romans 13:8 Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. | Do you agree that you have a duty to study God's Law and meditate upon it so that you can truly love your neighbor? |
the undervaluing of the worth, 2 Tim. 3:3
| 2 Timothy 3:3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, | Do you agree that God requires you to put to death those habits which demean others? |
envying the gifts, Acts 7:9; Gal. 5:26
| Acts 7:9 "And the patriarchs, becoming envious, sold Joseph into Egypt. But God was with him | Do you agree that it is wrong to entertain negative thoughts about your neighbor because he has been given more than God has presently given you? |
| Galatians 5:26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. | Do you agree that God commands us not to think too highly of ourselves, not to offend others, not to envy others? |
grieving at the advancement of prosperity one of another; Num. 12:2; Esth. 6:12-13
| Numbers 12:2 So they said, "Has the LORD indeed spoken only through Moses? Has He not spoken through us also?" And the LORD heard it. | Do you agree that God is offended when you are offended at the prosperity of one of your equals? |
| Esther 6:12-13 Afterward Mordecai went back to the king's gate. But Haman hurried to his house, mourning and with his head covered. {13} When Haman told his wife Zeresh and all his friends everything that had happened to him, his wise men and his wife Zeresh said to him, "If Mordecai, before whom you have begun to fall, is of Jewish descent, you will not prevail against him but will surely fall before him." | Do you agree that Haman's attitude was sinful? |
and usurping pre-eminence one over another. 3 John 9; Luke 22:24
| 3 John 1:9 I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, does not receive us. | Do you agree that it is wrong for you to seek status and the limelight? |
| Luke 22:24 Now there was also a dispute among them, as to which of them should be considered the greatest. | Do you agree that God wants you to be a servant, not a big-shot? |
Q. 133. What is the reason annexed to the fifth commandment, the more to enforce it?
A. The reason annexed to the fifth commandment, in these words, That thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee,
Exod. 20:12 is an express promise of long life and prosperity, as far as it shall
serve for God's glory and their own good, to all such as keep this commandment.
Deut. 5:16; 1 Kings 8:25; Eph. 6:2-3
| Deuteronomy 5:16 'Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God has commanded you, that your days may be long, and that it may be well with you in the land which the LORD your God is giving you. | Are you depressed, are you giving up, because your life is miserable, all because you have not honored your superiors, cared for your inferiors, and put your brothers and sisters before your own interests? Do you agree that you should get your life in order so that more of it is a blessing? |
| 1 Kings 8:25 "Therefore, LORD God of Israel, now keep what You promised Your servant David my father, saying, 'You shall not fail to have a man sit before Me on the throne of Israel, only if your sons take heed to their way, that they walk before Me as you have walked before Me.' | Do you understand that our entire society is ill because we do not keep the Fifth Commandment? |
| Ephesians 6:2-3 "Honor your father and mother," which is the first commandment with promise: {3} "that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth." | Do you agree that you should seek a long life in which to glorify God, and that you should obey the Fifth Commandment to extend your life? |
The Catechism specifies obedience to "lawful commands" as an aspect of the honor due our superiors. If a superior counsels a sinful act, we are still to honor the person, but must disobey the unlawful command. The requires prophetic grace. Grace to mortify the pride which wants to say "Nyahh Nyahh, I'm more holy than you are, you gave me an unlawful command and I'm not going to obey it!" but prophetic courage to disobey the commanding superior when it might be easier to go along.
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