Colossians 4:1 | DiscipleDeck

Bible Commentary

Colossians 4:1

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public Domain

The duties of masters.

"Masters, render unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven."

I. THE DUTY OF MASTERS. It is here enforced only on its positive side.

1. Justice. Masters must give their servants what is according to contract, or according to what is just in itself, as to work, wages, food, correction, and example.

2. Equality. Masters sometimes treat servants unequally in demanding inconvenient service, an unreasonable amount of work, in withholding wages. They ought to treat them so that they may serve them cheerfully and efficiently.

II. THE REASON TO ENFORCE THIS DUTY. "Knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven." God's majesty and man's authority stand together. The Lord in heaven is the Master of masters, and will avenge the wrongs they may inflict on their servants.—T. C.

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