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)