Proverbs 29:21

21 A slave pampered from childhood will come to a bad end.

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 By mere words servants are not disciplined, for though they understand, they will not give heed.
20 Do you see someone who is hasty in speech? There is more hope for a fool than for anyone like that.
21 A slave pampered from childhood will come to a bad end.
22 One given to anger stirs up strife, and the hothead causes much transgression.
23 A person's pride will bring humiliation, but one who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor.

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. Vg: Meaning of Heb uncertain
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.