Colossians 3:20-21 Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.
‘Children, obey your parents in all things.’ Ephesians 6:1-3 expand on these commandments: To obey parents and to honour them, with the reasons that firstly it is right; it is a commandment (Ex. 20:12); it is a blessing of well-being and long life is promised. Threefold blessing to those who remember and keep the commandments (Prov. 3:1-2): Length of days (Prov. 3:2, 16; 4:10; 9:11). A long life (1Pet. 3:10-11). Peace (Isa. 26:3).
Parents must teach their children the importance of obedience otherwise they fail God and their children (Prov. 15:32).
‘Fathers, provoke not your children to anger.’ Fathers are not allowed to provoke their children to wrath. They must avoid making sport of them (Prov. 26:17-19); severity, anger and cruelty. Cruel parents generally have rebellious children. Correct them, do not punish them. Punishment is from a principle of revenge; correction is from a principle of loving concern. Bring your children up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. The mind is to be nourished with wholesome discipline and instruction which will bend them toward God and Christian living (Eph. 6:4).
‘Be discouraged’ [Greek: athumeo] have their spirit broken.
Living the Word 