In his letter to the Colossians, Paul taught that when parents provoke their children, they ( children) become

In Colossians 3:21, Paul gives a direct instruction to parents: "Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged." The Greek word used here is athumeo, meaning to lose heart, become dispirited, or give up.

Paul's teaching recognises that harsh, unfair, or unreasonable treatment from parents can crush a child's spirit. When parents constantly criticise, make unrealistic demands, show favouritism, or treat children with excessive severity, the result is not obedience but discouragement. Children who are provoked lose motivation, become withdrawn, and may give up trying to please their parents altogether.

Paul does not say provoked children become impatient, rebellious, or cultists. His specific word choice emphasises the internal emotional damage: a loss of heart and spirit. This teaching is part of Paul's household code (Colossians 3:18-4:1), which sets out how Christian family relationships should function with mutual respect and love.