Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord. This instruction serves to balance the power dynamics within the family, recognizing that while children are to obey their parents, there are limits to parental authority to prevent abuse. Parents must be cautious not to overuse their power in ways that could enslave or overburden their children, as constant demands or extreme commands can lead to negative reactions. Provoking children to wrath is not limited to inciting anger alone. While anger may be the most common response to domineering or neglectful parenting, children may also react by becoming depressed, holding emotions inside, hurting themselves, acting out in rebellion, plotting revenge, or responding sarcastically. The spectrum of reactions can range from wrath to deep discouragement, where a child may feel disheartened, lack confidence, or lose enthusiasm for life due to being beaten down by overbearing or neglectful treatment. Parents hold a significant responsibility, as their attitudes and actions can shape or break a child's character. A parent's moods, attitudes, and behaviors are observed and often modeled by children, influencing their personalities and future interactions. This weighty role places parents in a position akin to God in the family structure, especially in a child's early years when they look up to parents with complete trust and dependence. The example of King David illustrates the consequences of neglectful parenting. His lack of discipline, failure to rebuke or question his children's actions, and apparent uninvolvement led to severe negative outcomes in his children's lives. Absalom became a vain, power-hungry narcissist who rebelled against his father. Amnon, driven by unbridled lust, became a sexual predator. Tamar, a victim of Amnon's actions, withdrew into desolation, lacking a supportive relationship with David. Adonijah mirrored his brothers' flaws, scheming for power and position. Solomon, despite his achievements, displayed self-indulgence and insatiable appetites, contributing to burdens on his people. David's benign neglect played a role in these tragic outcomes, highlighting the need for balanced, engaged parenting. Fathers can provoke their children through various means: by being absent physically, emotionally, or spiritually, thus neglecting the child's need for involvement and encouragement; by acting solely as disciplinarians, breeding anger rather than showing love and multidimensional care; by taking more than giving, engaging children only for personal gain rather than their benefit; by criticizing more than encouraging, deflating a child's spirit; by publicly humiliating them, fostering hurt and resentment; by being stingy, withholding time or gifts, making children feel worthless; and by failing to admit personal faults, appearing hypocritical and undermining trust. Parents must strive to find a balance, ensuring their authority is used wisely to nurture rather than provoke negative reactions in their children.