that also in our words we observe modesty toward them, do not accost
them roughly, haughtily, and defiantly, but yield to them and be silent
even though they go too far. Thirdly, that we show them such honor also
by works, that is, with our body and possessions, that we serve them,
help them, and provide for them when they are old, sick, infirm, or
poor, and all that not only gladly, but with humility and reverence, as
doing it before God. For he who knows how to regard them in his heart
will not allow them to suffer want or hunger, but will place them above
him and at his side, and will share with them whatever he has and
possesses.

Secondly, notice how great, good, and holy a work is here assigned
children, which is alas! utterly neglected and disregarded, and no one
perceives that God has commanded it or that it is a holy, divine Word
and doctrine. For if it had been regarded as such, every one could have
inferred that they must be holy men who live according to these words.
Thus there would have been no need of inventing monasticism nor
spiritual orders, but every child would have abided by this
commandment, and could have directed his conscience to God and said:
"If I am to do good and holy works, I know of none better than to
render all honor and obedience to my parents, because God has Himself
commanded it. For what God commands must be much and far nobler than
everything that we may devise ourselves, and since there is no higher
or better teacher to be found than God, there can be no better
doctrine, indeed, than He gives forth. Now, He teaches fully what we
should do if we wish to perform truly good works, and by commanding
them, He shows that they please Him. If, then, it is God who commands
this, and who knows not how to appoint anything better, I will never
improve upon it."