Colossians 3:18–4:1

Rules for Christian Households

¹⁸Wives, be subject to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.^{* 19}Husbands, love your wives and never treat them harshly.

²⁰Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is your acceptable duty in the Lord.^{* 21}Fathers, do not provoke your children, or they may lose heart. ²²Slaves, obey your earthly masters^k in everything, not with a slavery performed merely for looks, to please people, but wholeheartedly, fearing the Lord.^{l* 23}Whatever task you must do, work as if your soul depends on it, as for the Lord and not for humans, ²⁴since you know that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward; you serve the Lord Christ.^{* 25}For the wrongdoer will be paid back for whatever wrong has been done, and there is no partiality.^*

⁴Masters, treat your slaves justly and fairly, for you know that you also have a Master in heaven.