If you are looking for Bible verses about respect in the King James Version, this list gives you Scripture that shows how God calls us to honor parents, leaders, neighbors and even the people who are hard to love. The verses below are shown in the KJV, and they are arranged by situation so you can find the right words for the moment you are in. They are for anyone who wants respect to be more than a feeling, whether at home, at work or in the church.
These passages share a common thread: respect is an act of obedience to God, not a reward for how someone behaves. Each one points to a choice you can make today, which is why the reflections after each verse focus on practice as well as meaning.
Verses for Honoring Parents and Family
Family is often where respect is first learned and most easily neglected. These verses speak to children, grown children and anyone caring for aging parents.
Exodus 20:12
Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
(KJV)
This is one of the Ten Commandments, given with a promise attached. Honoring your father and mother is a daily matter of tone, timing and willingness to listen. Try calling a parent this week just to ask how their day went, without any agenda.
Ephesians 6:1-3
1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. 2 Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) 3 That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.
(KJV)
Paul ties obedience and honor together and reminds children that this is what the Lord expects. Whatever your age, look for one small way to act on this: a thank-you note, a kind word at dinner, or a quick answer when someone asks for help.
Proverbs 23:22
Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old.
(KJV)
This proverb asks us to listen to the parents who gave us life and not to despise them when they grow old. When a parent repeats a story or needs patience, remember that this verse calls you to value their wisdom even when it is inconvenient.
Verses for Respecting Authority and Leaders
Respect for those in charge, whether in government, at work or in the church, can be hard when you disagree. These verses show how to honor authority while still living with integrity.
Romans 13:1
Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
(KJV)
Paul writes that authority is ordained within God’s larger plan, even though human leaders are imperfect. Respecting a boss or official does not mean agreeing with everything they do. It means speaking about them in ways that do not undermine their office.
1 Peter 2:17
Honour all men . Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.
(KJV)
Peter names four kinds of people to honor, from everyone to the king, and he places them side by side. Pick one person in your life who holds a position of trust and pray for them by name this week.
Hebrews 13:17
Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
(KJV)
This verse links respect for spiritual leaders with the care they give to your soul. When a pastor or teacher leads you well, let your response be gratitude and cooperation rather than grumbling.
Verses for Showing Respect to Everyone
Respect is not reserved for those we admire. These passages call us to honor people who are different from us, who are struggling or who simply cross our path.
Philippians 2:3
Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
(KJV)
Paul asks us to count others better than ourselves, which is the heart of respect. Before you respond in a disagreement, consider what the other person might be carrying and let that shape your words.
Romans 12:10
Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another…
(KJV)
Here respect is described as preferring one another in love and honor. You can practice this by letting a colleague speak first in a meeting or by giving credit publicly when someone’s idea helps the team.
Verses for Speaking and Acting with Respect
Respect shows up in what we say and how we say it. These verses address the words we choose and the way we carry ourselves toward others.
Ephesians 4:29
Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
(KJV)
Paul tells us that our speech should build others up and give grace to those who hear. Before you send a message or speak in anger, ask whether your words would help the listener.
Colossians 4:6
Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
(KJV)
This verse asks for speech that is gracious and seasoned with salt. Practice this by pausing before you correct someone, and by choosing a tone that invites conversation rather than shutting it down.
Proverbs 15:1
A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
(KJV)
A soft answer turns away wrath, and this proverb shows that respect often calms a tense moment. The next time a conversation heats up, try lowering your voice and slowing your reply.
James 1:19
Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath…
(KJV)
James urges us to be swift to hear and slow to speak, which is one of the simplest forms of respect. Let the other person finish their thought before you answer, even if you already know what you want to say.
How to Use These Verses
Write a few of these verses on a card and keep it where you will see it, such as on the refrigerator, in your car or as a note on your phone. Choose one verse each week and read it aloud in the morning, then look for a chance to put it into practice before the day ends. Many people find it helpful to note what happened afterward, which makes the verse feel connected to real life.
You can also pray these verses directly. Take a verse such as Philippians 2:3 and ask God to show you one person to honor, then listen for a name or a face. Returning to the same verses over several weeks often reveals new layers of meaning as your circumstances change.
A Short Prayer for Respect
Lord, you have shown respect to every person by making them in your image. Teach me to see the people around me the way you see them, especially those who are hard to honor. Guard my tongue so that my words build up rather than tear down, and give me patience to listen before I speak. Help me to respect the authority you have placed over my life, and to honor my parents and leaders with a humble heart. Where I have failed, forgive me, and let your grace shape my attitudes toward others today. Amen.
