their honor. Under
the law of Moses, God punished this offence in the same manner that
he did blasphemy against himself:--“He that curseth his father or his
mother shall surely be put to death.” This shows what a great offence
it is in his sight.

Another way in which you honor your parents is, by giving respectful
attention to their instruction and counsels. God has committed your
instruction and training to them; and when they teach or advise you
according to the Scripture, their instructions are the voice of God to
you. If you despise their instruction, you cast contempt upon God, who
speaks through them, and who says, “My son, hear the instruction of thy
father, and forsake not the law of thy mother.” It is very natural for
children to wish to follow their own inclinations. The impetuosity
ofmake an inquiry or a
remark, do it in a modest, unassuming way, not raising your voice, nor
spinning out a story. And be especially careful not to interrupt any
other person. Sensible people will get a very unfavorable impression
concerning you, if they see you bold and talkative at table. Yet you
should never appear inattentive to what others are saying. Be not so
intent on discussing the contents of your plate, as not to observe the
movements of others, or to hear their conversation. Show your interest
in what is said by occasional glances at the speaker, and by the
expression of your countenance; but be not too anxious to put a word in
yourself. Some children make themselves ridiculous, by always joining
in, and making their remarks, when older persons are speaking, often
giving a grave opinion