Proverbs 29:21

21 He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child, shall in the end have him as a son.

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 is not corrected by words: he understandeth indeed, but he will not answer.

20 Hast thou seen a man hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him.

21 He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child, shall in the end have him as a son.

22 An angry man exciteth contention; and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.

23 A man's pride bringeth him low; but the humble in spirit shall obtain honour.

Footnotes

• [a]. Strictly, 'son of the house;' i.e. he gets into possession of his master's goods.