22 Slaves, obey your human(A) masters in everything. Don’t work only while being watched, as people-pleasers, but work wholeheartedly, fearing the Lord.(B) 23 Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not for people,(C) 24 knowing that you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord. You serve the Lord Christ. 25 For the wrongdoer(D) will be paid back for whatever wrong he has done, and there is no favoritism.

Masters,(E) deal with your slaves justly and fairly, since you know that you too have a Master in heaven.

22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything you do. Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching you. Serve them sincerely because of your reverent fear of the Lord. 23 Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. 24 Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.[a] 25 But if you do what is wrong, you will be paid back for the wrong you have done. For God has no favorites.

Masters, be just and fair to your slaves. Remember that you also have a Master—in heaven.

Footnotes

  1. 3:24 Or and serve Christ as your Master.