Colossians 3:21

21 Fathers, provoke not your children lest they become disheartened.

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 do not be bitter against them.

20 Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.

21 Fathers, provoke not your children lest they become disheartened.

22 Slaves, in all things hearken unto your masters according to the flesh, not serving to be seen as those who only please men, but in simplicity of heart, fearing God;

23 And whatever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men,