HONOUR, To Honour. Honour, in the Scripture-style, is taken not only for the inward or outward respect which people have and pay to persons, who are superior to them; and to whom we owe Mal. i. 6. 1 Tim. i. 17. Exod. xx. 12. Esth. xiii. 14. Ps. xxix. 2. Numb. xxiv. 11.particular marks of deference and distinction; but likewise for real services which are due to them: for example, Honour thy father and mother, that thy days may be long in the land. This Precept requires, not only that we should shew our Parents respect and deference, but likewise that we should assist them, and perform such services for them as they may stand in need of. And Balak King of Moab said to Balaam, I thought to promote thee to great honour, but lo the Lord hath kept thee back from honour; that is to say, hath deprived you of the reward I designed for you. And Prov. iii. 9.Solomon, Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the first-fruits of thine encrease: Testify your respect to him by presents and offerings.
By Honour is also understood that adoration which is due to God only. I was afraid to transfer the Honour of my God to man, says Mordecai. And the Psalmist, Give unto the Lord the Honour due unto his name. And Malachi, If I be the Lord, where is my honour? Ubi est honor meus? And St. Paul, Unto the only wise God be honour and glory.