Children and Parents

6 Children, obey your parents in the Lord,^[a] for this is right.

²⁰ Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is your acceptable duty in the Lord.^{(A) 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](B) 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.^{(C) 25} For the wrongdoer will be paid back for whatever wrong has been done, and there is no partiality.^(D)

Warnings against Evil Companions

¹⁶ Let the word of Christ^[a] dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God.^{[b](A) 17} And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.^(B)

Rebellious Children

¹⁸ “If someone has a stubborn and rebellious son who will not obey his father and mother, who does not heed them when they discipline him,^(A)

³ You shall each revere your mother and father, and you shall keep my Sabbaths: I am the Lord your God.^(A)

² Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of the mind, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.^[a](A)