Ephesians 6:4

“And ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath, &c.] Neither by words; by unjust and, unreasonable commands; by contumelious and reproachful language; by frequent and public chidings, and by indiscreet and passionate expressions: nor by deeds; preferring one to another; by denying them the necessaries of life; by not allowing them proper recreation; by severe and cruel blows, and inhuman usage; by not giving them suitable education; by an improper disposal of them in marriage; and by profusely spending their estates, and leaving nothing to them: not but that parents may, and ought to correct and rebuke their children; nor are they accountable to them for their conduct; yet they should…”

“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 (Deu 6:7; "catechise," Pro 22:6, Margin), whether of encouragement, or remonstrance, or reproof, according as is required [TRENCH]. Contrast Sa1 3:13, Margin. of the Lord--such as the Lord approves, and by His…”

“And ye fathers - A command addressed particularly to “fathers,” because they are at the head of the family, and its government is especially committed to them. The object of the apostle here is, to show parents that their commands should be such that they can be easily obeyed, or such as are entirely reasonable and proper. If children are required to “obey,” it is but reasonable that the commands of the parent should be such that they can be obeyed, or such that the child shall not be discouraged in his attempt to obey. This statement is in accordance with what he had said Ephesians 5:22-25 of the relation of husband and wife. It was the duty of the wife to obey - but it was the…”

“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. Ephesians 6:5”

“6:4 Fathers can often provoke their children to anger by being harsh or unjust (see Col 3:21). Parents should give their children the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord (or the discipline and instruction about the Lord) so that they will learn a way of living that is good and pleases God. Such discipline is not to be excessive, but loving and gentle, so that children are not turned from the Lord but are drawn to him (cp. Heb 12:5-11).”

“ye: Gen 31:14, Gen 31:15; Sa1 20:30-34; Col 3:21 but: Gen 18:19; Exo 12:26, Exo 12:27, Exo 13:14, Exo 13:15; Deu 4:9, Deu 6:7, Deu 6:20-24, Deu 11:19-21; Jos 4:6, Jos 4:7, Jos 4:21-24, Jos 24:15; Ch1 22:10-13, Ch1 28:9, Ch1 28:10, Ch1 28:20, Ch1 29:19; Psa 71:17; Psa 71:18, Psa 78:4-7; Pro 4:1-4, Pro 19:18, Pro 22:6, Pro 22:15, Pro 23:13, Pro 23:14, Pro 29:15, Pro 29:17; Isa 38:19; Ti2 1:5, Ti2 3:15; Heb 12:7-10 Ephesians 6:5”