"Honor thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee."

By FATHER and MOTHER, in the fifth command, 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. (taken from the Larger Catechism of the Presbyterian Church - Answer to Question 124)

The general scope of the fifth commandment is the performance of those duties which we mutually owe in several relations, as inferiors, superiors, or equals. (taken from the Larger Catechism of the Presbyterian Church - Answer to Questions 126)

"Superiors" may be thought of as those in authority whom God has appointed.  The "inferiors" are those under authority.  In every sphere, beginning at the home, God has placed someone (or ones) over others.  God himself has granted these the responsibility for the well-being of those under their authority.  These "superiors" are to rule over, care for, instruct, correct, and encourage for the good of the "inferiors" and, in the last analysis, for the good of society.  Those termed "superior" or "inferior" are not necessarily "superior" or "inferior" in talent or intellect.  Those in authority often do have special gifts of leadership.  Even if we may feel that a "superior" may be lacking in gifts or even in the quality of fairness, we must nevertheless respect him and obey him because God has appointed him to be over us and it pleases God that we be obedient and cheerfully submissive to him.

Forbidden:  Exalting of your own will, seeking of your own selfish gain and going on your own independent way in your treatment of those whom God has placed over you; that is, your parents, teachers, husband, employers, officials in government, and your pastor and elders in the church.  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 them and to their government. (taken from the Larger Catechism of the Presbyterian Church - Answer to Question 127)