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Colossians 3:21

Listen to Colossians 3:21

Colossians 3:21 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
21 Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.
English Standard Version (ESV)
21 Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.
New Living Translation (NLT)
21 Fathers, do not aggravate your children, or they will become discouraged.
The Message Bible (MSG)
21 Parents, don't come down too hard on your children or you'll crush their spirits.
American Standard Version (ASV)
21 Fathers, provoke not your children, that they be not discouraged.
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
21 Fathers, don't make your children resentful, or they will become discouraged.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
21 Fathers, do not exasperate your children, so they won't become discouraged.
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
21 Fathers, don't make your children bitter. If you do, they will lose hope.

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.

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Colossians 3:21 Study Resources

Sermons

Slaying the Family Dragons, Part 4B
Slaying the Family Dragons, Part 4B
Pastor Mike Fabarez

Overcoming the Anger-Laden ParentingAs parents, we know there are many times when our child needs a gentle nudge in the right direction. However, there is a danger in taking it too far. Sometimes our constant prodding towards right behavior can actually push our kids into a state of frustration! On this edition of Focal Point, Mike Fabarez cautions moms and dads to parent with grace. We’re not only trying to help children grow physically, but spiritually as well!

Slaying the Family Dragons, Part 4A
Slaying the Family Dragons, Part 4A
Pastor Mike Fabarez

Overcoming the Anger-Laden ParentingFrom books to blogs and counselors to culture, there’s no shortage of advice on how to raise kids.  Yet it seems like the counsel for parents is always shifting, changing, or morphing with the most popular trends.  While fads come and go in every generation, God’s blueprint for the family remains a reliable and trustworthy guide for rearing children.  On this edition of Focal Point, Mike Fabarez encourages moms and dads with principles from God’s Word on bringing up kids.

Slaying the Family Dragons, Part 5a
Slaying the Family Dragons, Part 5a
Pastor Mike Fabarez

The Bible is filled with instruction for husbands, wives, parents and children alike. But when God's plan for the family is upset by divorce, it's an added challenge to pick up the pieces. Today on Focal Point, Mike Fabarez shares hope for those who've been through a broken marriage. Whether this describes you, or you have a friend or family member who's experienced the pain of divorce, it's crucial we know what God's Word has to say about this sensitive and timely issue.

Colossians 3:21 In-Context

19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.
20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.
21 Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.
22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord.
23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,

Footnotes 1

  • [a] Or "Parents"

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