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Colossians 3:18-4:6
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
Colossians 3:18-4:6
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
Rules for Christian Households
18 Wives, be subject to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.(A) 19 Husbands, love your wives and never treat them harshly.
20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is your acceptable duty in the Lord.(B) 21 Fathers, do not provoke your children, or they may lose heart. 22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters[a] in everything, not with a slavery performed merely for looks, to please people, but wholeheartedly, fearing the Lord.[b](C) 23 Whatever task you must do, work as if your soul depends on it, as for the Lord and not for humans, 24 since you know that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward; you serve the Lord Christ.(D) 25 For the wrongdoer will be paid back for whatever wrong has been done, and there is no partiality.(E) 4 1
Further Instructions
2 Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with thanksgiving.(F) 3 At the same time, pray for us as well, that God will open to us a door for the word, that we may declare the mystery of Christ, for which I am in prison,(G) 4 so that I may reveal it clearly, as I should.
5 Conduct yourselves wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time.[c](H) 6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer everyone.(I)
Colossians 3:18-4:6
New International Version
Colossians 3:18-4:6
New International Version
Instructions for Christian Households(A)
18 Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands,(B) as is fitting in the Lord.
19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.
20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.
21 Fathers,[a] do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.
22 Slaves, 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. 23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance(C) from the Lord as a reward.(D) It is the Lord Christ you are serving. 25 Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism.(E)
4 Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair,(F) because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.
Further Instructions
2 Devote yourselves to prayer,(G) being watchful and thankful. 3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door(H) for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery(I) of Christ, for which I am in chains.(J) 4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. 5 Be wise(K) in the way you act toward outsiders;(L) make the most of every opportunity.(M) 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace,(N) seasoned with salt,(O) so that you may know how to answer everyone.(P)
Footnotes
- Colossians 3:21 Or Parents
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition (NRSVUE)
New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition. Copyright © 2021 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
New International Version (NIV) 
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