61 Children, do what is ordered by your fathers and mothers in the Lord: for this is right. 2 Give honour to your father and mother (which is the first rule having a reward), 3 So that all may be well for you, and your life may be long on the earth. 4 And, you fathers, do not make your children angry: but give them training in the teaching and fear of the Lord.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ephesians 6:1-4
Commentary on Ephesians 6:1-4
(Read Ephesians 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.