Proverbs 29:21

21 A slave who is pampered from youth will in the end be ungrateful.

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 slave can't be disciplined with words; he may understand, but he won't respond.
20 Do you see someone too anxious to speak? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
21 A slave who is pampered from youth will in the end be ungrateful.
22 Angry people stir up strife; hot-tempered people commit many crimes.
23 The proud will be humbled, but the humble will be honored.
Complete Jewish Bible Copyright 1998 by David H. Stern. Published by Jewish New Testament Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.