4 I want to tell you this: While those who will inherit their fathers’ property are still children, they are no different from slaves. It does not matter that the children own everything. ² While they are children, they must obey those who are chosen to care for them. But when the children reach the age set by their fathers, they are free. ³ It is the same for us. We were once like children, slaves to the useless rules of this world.