‘Fathers (or ‘parents'), do not provoke (or ‘irritate') your children, so that they are not discouraged.'
‘Fathers'. The word means ‘parents' in Hebrews 11:23, so could mean that here. ‘Do not provoke' by unnecessary or interminable commands. The bringing up of children requires tact and patience if the children are not to be put off and discouraged. Parents should remember that they are forming and fashioning lives.
Sternness will also be required, and even sometimes physical punishment, but it should never be vindictive or excessive or dispensed when out of control, and only when really necessary. Bull-headedness is out. Indeed much teaching should be given by example. This is more likely to be followed than undiscussed and unexplained orders. The fact is that in many cases our children will become what we are, not what we have told them to be.
‘Lest they be discouraged.' Too many instructions, too many ‘don'ts', too exacting a standard will only lead to discouragement, rebellion and reluctant eye-service. Not enough instruction will lead to doubt and uncertainty, and even despair. Children need to know what they should do, but also why they should do it or not do it. They are common sense creatures.