Proverbs 29:19

19 You cannot correct servants just by talking to them. They may understand you, but they will pay no attention. ¹

Proverbs 29:19 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 29:19

A servant will not be corrected by words
Not by them only, especially one that is of a servile, surly, and untractable disposition; otherwise a good servant, and well disposed to his master, and willing to serve him, and promote his interest, a word is sufficient for such an one; when he is bid to go, he goes; or to come, he comes, ( Matthew 8:9 ) ; or if he has done wrong, and his fault is told him, he will amend another time; whereas a rough ill natured servant will not regard words, but must have blows to correct him; for though he understand;
what his master says, and what is his will, and knows he has done wrong, and ought to do otherwise, which is an aggravation of sin: he will not answer;
own his fault and promise to do better for the future; through the surliness of his nature, and contempt of his master, whom he does not think worthy of an answer: so the Vulgate Latin version renders it, "he despises to answer"; thus Job was used by his servants, ( Job 19:16 ) ; There is an answering which is forbidden servants, ( Titus 2:9 ) ; but this what becomes them, and is expressive of their respect and reverence to their masters, and their ready, hearty, and cheerful obedience to them; and which especially should be in Christian servants to Christian masters, ( 1 Timothy 6:1 ) ( Ephesians 6:5-7 ) .

Proverbs 29:19 In-Context

17 Discipline your children and you can always be proud of them. They will never give you reason to be ashamed.

18 A nation without God's guidance is a nation without order. Happy are those who keep God's law!

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.

Cross References

• 1. +229.19Ben Sira 33.25-30.