Colossians 3:21

21 Parents, don't provoke your children in a way that ends up discouraging them.

Colossians 3:21 Meaning and Commentary

Colossians 3:21

Fathers, provoke not your children to anger
(See Gill on Ephesians 6:4).

lest they be discouraged;
or disheartened and dispirited; their spirits be broke through grief and trouble, and they become indolent, sluggish, and unfit for business; or, despairing of having any share in the affections of their parents, disregard their commands, instructions, and corrections, and grow obdurate, stubborn, and rebellious.

Colossians 3:21 In-Context

19 Husbands, love your wives and don't be harsh with them.

20 Children, obey your parents in everything, because this pleases the Lord.

21 Parents, don't provoke your children in a way that ends up discouraging them.

22 Slaves, obey your masters on earth in everything. Don't just obey like people pleasers when they are watching. Instead, obey with the single motivation of fearing the Lord.

23 Whatever you do, do it from the heart for the Lord and not for people.