4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
4 Fathers, don't exasperate your children by coming down hard on them. Take them by the hand and lead them in the way of the Master.
4 And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.
4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.
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Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ephesians 6:4
Commentary on Ephesians 6:1-4
(Read Ephesians 6:1-4)
The great duty of children is, to obey their parents. That obedience includes inward reverence, as well as outward acts, and in every age prosperity has attended those distinguished for obedience to parents. The duty of parents. Be not impatient; use no unreasonable severities. Deal prudently and wisely with children; convince their judgements and work upon their reason. Bring them up well; under proper and compassionate correction; and in the knowledge of the duty God requires. Often is this duty neglected, even among professors of the gospel. Many set their children against religion; but this does not excuse the children's disobedience, though it may be awfully occasion it. God alone can change the heart, yet he gives his blessing to the good lessons and examples of parents, and answers their prayers. But those, whose chief anxiety is that their children should be rich and accomplished, whatever becomes of their souls, must not look for the blessing of God.