EXOD429 Respecting one's parents is a bedrock of Judaism. Not only is it one of the Ten Commandments, [this verse], but, according to the Jerusalem Talmud, Pe'ah 3b it is even more important than respecting the Almighty Himself. This is demonstrated from the verse Proverbs 3:9 that commands of man to respect God "from your substance," which means from what one owns. Thus, when it comes to God, one need honor Him only if one has possessions, but if one has no possessions, he need not honor God (through donations to charity, buying ritual objects, and so forth). However in regard to honoring parents, the demand by [this verse] for honor is unconditional and unqualified. The Midrash Tanchuma, Kedoshim 15 also demonstrates how important and unique this particular mitzvah is. In regard to the observance of all other commitments, God will sometimes deny reward for a mitzvah to a wicked person if his overall conduct is unworthy. However, a very wicked person who honors his parents will always receive his reward. Thus Esau, who, despite his wickedness, dutifully honored his father Isaac, was generously rewarded.