{6} And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and {c} admonition of the Lord.

(6) It is the duty of fathers to use their fatherly authority moderately and to God's glory.

(c) Such information and precepts which are taken out of God's book, and are holy and acceptable to him.

People's New Testament

6:4 And, ye fathers. Parents have duties as well as children. Two are named.

Provoke not your children to wrath. Passionate and unreasonable rebukes, intemperate language, or cruel usage, would provoke resentment on the part of children.

But bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. The Revised Version reads: Nurture them in the chastening and admonition of the Lord. Training and restraining as well as admonition are implied. The Lord holds all parties responsible for a Christian training of their children.

Wesley's Notes

6:4 And, ye fathers - Mothers are included; but fathers are named, as being more apt to be stern and severe. Provoke not your children to wrath - Do not needlessly fret or exasperate them. But bring them up - With all tenderness and mildness. In the instruction and discipline of the Lord - Both in Christian knowledge and practice.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

4. fathers-including mothers; the fathers are specified as being the fountains of domestic authority. Fathers are more prone to passion in relation to their children than mothers, whose fault is rather over-indulgence.

provoke not-irritate not, by vexatious commands, unreasonable blame, and uncertain temper [Alford]. Col 3:21, "lest they be discouraged."

nurture-Greek, "discipline," namely, training by chastening in act where needed (Job 5:17; Heb 12:7).

admonition-training by words (De 6:7; "catechise," Pr 22:6, Margin), whether of encouragement, or remonstrance, or reproof, according as is required [Trench]. Contrast 1Sa 3:13, Margin.

of the Lord-such as the Lord approves, and by His Spirit dictates.

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

6:1-4 The great duty of children is, to obey their parents. That obedience includes inward reverence, as well as outward acts, and in every age prosperity has attended those distinguished for obedience to parents. The duty of parents. Be not impatient; use no unreasonable severities. Deal prudently and wisely with children; convince their judgements and work upon their reason. Bring them up well; under proper and compassionate correction; and in the knowledge of the duty God requires. Often is this duty neglected, even among professors of the gospel. Many set their children against religion; but this does not excuse the children's disobedience, though it may be awfully occasion it. God alone can change the heart, yet he gives his blessing to the good lessons and examples of parents, and answers their prayers. But those, whose chief anxiety is that their children should be rich and accomplished, whatever becomes of their souls, must not look for the blessing of God.