“Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” Ephesians 6:4
Roman fathers had absolute power over their children. So, here the Apostle Paul urges restraint in imitation of God. “Do not exasperate” means to avoid moving them to anger or despair. “Training and instruction” implies that a father works with his children through God’s Word.
We must hold the Word before them, and constantly teach them, so that we bring children up not only with punishment, but also in reverence and honor and respect of God. God uses punishment for our good, as He says in Proverbs 3:12, “…the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.” (sorry this is so late, but our electricity has been off)
God’s blessings on your day…