Proverbs 29:21

21 If you give your servants everything they want from childhood on, some day they will take over everything you own.

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 You cannot correct servants just by talking to them. They may understand you, but they will pay no attention.
20 There is more hope for a stupid fool than for someone who speaks without thinking.
21 If you give your servants everything they want from childhood on, some day they will take over everything you own.
22 People with quick tempers cause a lot of quarreling and trouble.
23 Arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. they . . . own; [or] you will not be able to control them.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.