Proverbs 29:21

21 He that nourisheth his servant delicately from childhood, shall find him (a) rebel afterward. (He who delicately careth for his servant from childhood, shall find him to be rebellious later.)

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 may not be taught (only) by words; for he understandeth that that thou sayest, and he despiseth to answer. (A servant will not be corrected with words alone; for he understandeth what thou sayest, but he still despiseth to answer thee.)
20 Thou hast seen a man swift to speak; folly shall be hoped more than his amending. (Thou hast seen a person quick to speak; more shall be hoped of from a fool, than for that person's correction.)
21 He that nourisheth his servant delicately from childhood, shall find him (a) rebel afterward. (He who delicately careth for his servant from childhood, shall find him to be rebellious later.)
22 A wrathful man stirreth chidings; and he that is light to have indignation, shall be more inclined to sins. (An angry person stirreth up arguments; and he who is quick to have indignation, shall be more inclined to sin.)
23 Lowness followeth a proud man; and glory shall up-take a meek man of spirit. (Lowness followeth the proud; but honour shall come to those with a humble spirit.)
Copyright © 2001 by Terence P. Noble. For personal use only.