Proverbs 29:21

21 A slave pampered from his youth will become arrogant^[a] 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 cannot be disciplined by words; though he understands, he doesn't respond.

20 Do you see a man who speaks too soon? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

21 A slave pampered from his youth will become arrogant later on.

22 An angry man stirs up conflict, and a hot-tempered man increases rebellion.

23 A person's pride will humble him, but a humble spirit will gain honor.

Footnotes

• [a] Hb obscure