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(A) from the Lord as a reward.(B) It is the Lord Christ you are serving. 25 Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism.(C)

Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair,(D) because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.

22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, not only while being watched in order to please them, but with a sincere heart, fearing the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, work at it wholeheartedly as though you were doing it[a] for the Lord and not merely for people. 24 You know that it is from the Lord that you will receive the inheritance as a reward. It is the Lord Messiah[b] whom you are serving! 25 For the person who does what is wrong will be paid back for what he has done without favoritism.

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

Footnotes

  1. Colossians 3:23 The Gk. lacks though you were doing it
  2. Colossians 3:24 Or Christ