Colossians 3:21

21 Fathers, do not fret and harass your children, or you may make them sullen and morose.

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 Married men, be affectionate to your wives, and do not treat them harshly.

20 Children be obedient to your parents in everything; for that is right for Christians.

21 Fathers, do not fret and harass your children, or you may make them sullen and morose.

22 Slaves, be obedient in everything to your earthly masters; not in acts of eye service, as aiming only to please men, but with simplicity of purpose, because you fear the Lord.

23 Whatever you are doing, let your hearts be in your work, as a thing done for the Lord and not for men.