Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.
The gospel's highest truths breed the plainest duties. Wives must submit to their own husbands as fitting in the Lord, not from fear but from the order God Himself established; husbands must love them in return, never bitter. The privileges of grace and the obligations of our station must never be torn asunder.
AI summary
Commenting on Colossians 3:18-25
Fathers, provoke not your children to anger,.... See Gill on Eph 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.
Verse 21. Fathers, provoke not, etc. . Lest they be discouraged. Lest, by your continually finding fault with them, they should lose all courage, and despair of ever pleasing you. There is much sound sense and practical wisdom in this observation of the apostle. Children should not be flattered, but they should be encouraged.