Colossians 3:18–4:1

Instructions for Christian Households

3:18–4:1pp—Eph 5:22–6:9

¹⁸Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands,^k as is fitting in the Lord.

¹⁹Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.

²⁰Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.

²¹Fathers,^c do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.

²²Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. ²³Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, ²⁴since you know that you will receive an inheritance^l from the Lord as a reward.^m It is the Lord Christ you are serving. ²⁵Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism.ⁿ

4Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair,^o because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.