Colossians 3:21

21 Fathers, do not be hard on your children, so that their spirit may not be broken.

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, have love for your wives, and be not bitter against them.

20 Children, do the orders of your fathers and mothers in all things, for this is pleasing to the Lord.

21 Fathers, do not be hard on your children, so that their spirit may not be broken.

22 Servants, in all things do the orders of your natural masters; not only when their eyes are on you, as pleasers of men, but with all your heart, fearing the Lord:

23 Whatever you do, do it readily, as to the Lord and not to men;