Colossians 3:21-4:6

English Standard Version

²¹ Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged. ²² Bondservants, obey ^(A)in everything those who are your earthly masters,^[a] not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. ^23 (B)Whatever you do, work heartily, ^(C)as for the Lord and not for men, ²⁴ knowing that from the Lord ^(D)you will receive the inheritance as your reward. ^(E)You are serving the Lord Christ. ²⁵ For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality.

4 Masters, treat your bondservants^[b] justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.

Further Instructions

^2 (F)Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it ^(G)with thanksgiving. ³ At the same time, pray also for us, that God may ^(H)open to us a door for the word, ^(I)to declare the mystery of Christ, ^(J)on account of which I am in prison— ⁴ that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.

^5 (K)Walk in wisdom toward ^(L)outsiders, making the best use of the time. ⁶ Let your speech always ^(M)be gracious, ^(N)seasoned with salt, ^(O)so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.