Key Verse Spotlight
Proverbs 29:21 - Meaning and Application
Understand how this verse speaks to what you're facing and how to apply it today
Translation: World English Bible — Catholic Edition
" He who pampers his servant from youth will have him become a son in the end. "
Proverbs 29:21
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
19 A servant can’t be corrected by words. Though he understands, yet he will not respond.
20 Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
21 He who pampers his servant from youth will have him become a son in the end.
22 An angry man stirs up strife, and a wrathful man abounds in sin.
23 A man’s pride brings him low, but one of lowly spirit gains honor.
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It is unwise for a master to be too fond of a servant, to raise him too quickly, or to let him become too familiar. It is also unwise to let him have every comfort he wants in food, clothing, and housing, and so bring him up in luxury just because he is a favorite and a pleasant servant. A master should remember that he is still a servant, and if he is indulged this way, he will be spoiled for any other position. Servants must learn to endure hardship.
It is also ungrateful for a servant, though sadly common, to act proudly because he has been treated gently. The humble prodigal son thinks he is unworthy to be called a son, and is content to be a servant. But the pampered slave thinks he is too good to be called a servant. He wants the status of a son, takes his ease and freedom, puts himself on the same level as his master, and may even claim the inheritance. Masters should give their servants what is fair and fitting, neither more nor less.
This applies well to the body, which serves the soul. Those who pamper the body, indulge it, and treat it too tenderly will find that, in time, it forgets its place. It will begin to act like a son, a master, and even a full tyrant.
From This Chapter
Proverbs 29:1
"He who is often rebuked and stiffens his neck will be destroyed suddenly, with no remedy."
Proverbs 29:2
"When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; but when the wicked rule, the people groan."
Proverbs 29:3
"Whoever loves wisdom brings joy to his father; but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth."
Proverbs 29:4
"The king by justice makes the land stable, but he who takes bribes tears it down."
Proverbs 29:5
"A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet."
Proverbs 29:6
"An evil man is snared by his sin, but the righteous can sing and be glad."
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