Proverbs 29:21

21 If you spoil your servant while he is young, he will bring you sorrow later on.

Proverbs 29:21 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 29:21

He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child
In a very tender and affluent way uses him with great familiarity; makes him sit at table, with him, feeds him with dainties, and clothes him in the most handsome manner, as if he was one of his own children: shall have him become [his] son at the length:
he will expect to be used as a son; he will not care to do any servile work, or anything, especially that is hard and laborious; he will be for supplanting the son and heir, and think to inherit all himself; or, however, become proud, haughty, and saucy. Jarchi interprets this of the evil imagination, or the corruption of nature, which is in a man from a child; which, if cherished and not subdued, wilt in the issue rule over a man: and some apply it to the body; which, if delicately pampered, and not kept under, will be master of the soul, instead of servant to it, and its members be instruments of unrighteousness.

Proverbs 29:21 In-Context

19 A servant can't be corrected only by words. Even if he understands, he won't obey.
20 Have you seen a man who speaks without thinking? There is more hope for foolish people than for him.
21 If you spoil your servant while he is young, he will bring you sorrow later on.
22 An angry man stirs up fights. And a person who burns with anger commits many sins.
23 If a man is proud, he will be made low. But if he isn't proud, he will be honored.
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