Proverbs 29:21

21 He that lives wantonly from a child, shall be a servant, and in the end shall grieve over himself.

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 stubborn servant will not be reproved by words: for even if he understands, still he will not obey.
20 If thou see a man hasty in words, know that the fool has hope rather than he.
21 He that lives wantonly from a child, shall be a servant, and in the end shall grieve over himself.
22 A furious man stirs up strife, and a passionate man digs up sin.
23 Pride brings a man low, but the Lord upholds the humble-minded with honour.

The Brenton translation of the Septuagint is in the public domain.