Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Proverbs 29:19
A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not answer.
19. words ] He needs sterner measures.
answer ] i.e. respond in work and action: give heed, R.V.; , LXX. The Vulg. appears to understand it, as do some commentators, literally he will not even deign to answer you quia quod dicis intelligit, et respondere contemnit.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Servant – i. e., A slave, whose obedience is reluctant. He may understand the words, but they produce no good effect. There is still lacking the true answer of obedience.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
A servant, who is so not only ill condition, but also in the temper of his mind, disingenuous, perverse, and stubborn,
will not be corrected by words; by mere words without blows. Compare Pro 19:29.
Though he understand, though he know thy mind and words, and his own duty,
he will not answer; either by words, expressing his readiness; or by deeds, speedily and cheerfully performing thy commands; but will neglect his duty, pretending that he did not hear or understand thee.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
19. A servantwho lacks goodprinciple.
correctedordiscovered.
will not answerthatis, will not obey.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
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, Mt 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, Tit 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, 1Ti 6:1.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
From the discipline of the people this series of proverbs again returns to the discipline of home:
19 With words a servant will not let himself be bettered;
For he understandeth them, but conformeth not thereto.
The Niph. becomes a so-called tolerative, for it connects with the idea of happening that of reaching its object: to become truly bettered (taught in wisdom, corrected), and thus to let himself be bettered. With mere words this is not reached; the unreasonable servant needs, in order to be set right, a more radical means of deliverance. This assertion demands confirmation; therefore is the view of von Hofmann ( Schriftbew. ii. 2. 404) improbable, that 19b has in view a better-disposed servant: supposing that he is intelligent, in which case he is admonished without cause, then the words are also lost: he will let them pass over him in silence without any reply. This attempted explanation is occasioned by this, that can signify nothing else than a response in words. If this were correct, then without doubt its fundamental meaning would correspond with ; for one explains, with Lwenstein, “for he perceives it, and may not answer,” i.e., this, that a reply cut off frustrates the moral impression. Or also: for he understands it, but is silent – in praefractum se silentium configit (Schultens); and thus it is with the ancients (Rashi). But why should not itself be the expression of this want of any consequences? cannot certainly mean humiliation
(Note: The Syr. and Targ. also think on , for they translate: “for he knows that he receives no strokes.”)
(Meri, after Exo 10:3, ), but why as an answer in words and not also a response by act (Stuart: a practical answer)? Thus the lxx , , according to which Luther: for although he at once understands it, he does not yet take it to himself. That tahT . may mean obedience, the Aram. so understood, also at Pro 16:4. It denoted a reply in the most comprehensive meaning of the word, vid., at Pro 16:1. The thought, besides, is the same as if one were to explain: for he understands it, and is silent, i.e., lets thee speak; or: he understands it, but that which he perceives finds no practical echo.
Fuente: Keil & Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament
19 A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not answer.
Here is the description of an unprofitable, slothful, wicked servant, a slave that serves not from conscience, or love, but purely from fear. Let those that have such servants put on patience to bear the vexation and not disturb themselves at it. See their character. 1. No rational words will work upon them; they will not be corrected and reformed, not brought to their business, nor cured of their idleness and laziness, by fair means, no, nor by foul words; even the most gentle master will be forced to use severity with them; no reason will serve their turn, for they are unreasonable. 2. No rational words will be got from them. They are dogged and sullen; and, though they understand the questions you ask them, they will not give you an answer; though you make it ever so plain to them what you expect from them, they will not promise you to mend what is amiss nor to mind their business. See the folly of those servants whose mouth by their silence calls for strokes; they might be corrected by words and save blows, but they will not.
Fuente: Matthew Henry’s Whole Bible Commentary
Stubborn Servants
Verse 19 refers to a servant (slave) stubborn in nature who understood but would not be corrected by spoken words. A more compelling effort such as physical punishment was necessary to persuade response. Some who understand the Words of the LORD today are also stubborn and must be persuaded, Job 16:12; Psa 119:67; Joh 2:2; Joh 3:3.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
CRITICAL NOTES.
Pro. 29:19. Doth not answer. Rather there is not an answer, that is in action, by obedience. Delitzsch translates does not conform thereto
Pro. 29:21. A son, etc. There are many different translations of this verse, but the general verdict of scholars seems to favour the English rendering. Luther translates the verse, If a servant is tenderly treated from youth up, he will accordingly become a squire
MAIN HOMILETICS OF Pro. 29:19; Pro. 29:21
MASTERS AND SERVANTS
I. Human servants generally need correction. The relation of master and servant is generally, though not always, founded upon some superiority on the one side and inferiority on the other. Where there is any right adjustment of social relations, those who serve are those who lack knowledge of some kind which those who rule are able to impart, and hence arises the necessity of correction on the part of the master and of submission on that of the servant. It is undeniable that there are many inversions of this ideal moral order, but the proverb can only refer to what ought to be, and what often, though not always, is the case.
II. The means of correction ought to be moral means. A servant is a moral and intelligent agent, and not a machine or a brute, and he can and ought to appreciate appeals to his reason and conscience. A wise and humane rider will use his voice to his steed in preference to the whip or the spur, and generally finds it effectual. And words of reproof and encouragement are probably the only successful means of dealing with human nature in this relationship. If these fail, no others will avail, and all benefit from the connection will cease.
III. Therefore human masters need much wisdom. If they are over-indulgent the servant may take undue advantage and claim privileges to which he has no right (Pro. 29:21). In the present constitution of things in this world, and probably throughout the universe, there are inequalities of position and rank which no wise man can ignore, and it is kind and wise to those beneath us to maintain these differences and distinctions. But to maintain them without haughtiness, and with that consideration and sympathy which ought to mark all our intercourse with our fellow-creatures, needs much wisdom on the part of superiors. Dr. David Thomas suggests another, and perhaps a pleasanter application of this proverb. There is another side, he says, to the kindness of a master towards is servant, that is, the making of the servant feel towards him all the sympathy and interest of a son. He who can make his servant feel towards him as a loving, faithful, and dutiful child, will reap the greatest comfort and advantage from his service. But this happy result can only be brought about where the master is truly wise as well as kind.
For Homiletics on Pro. 29:20; Pro. 29:22, see on chap. Pro. 14:17; Pro. 14:29, pages 363 and 386. On Pro. 29:23, see on chap. Pro. 11:2, page 192, and Pro. 16:18, page 482.
Fuente: The Preacher’s Complete Homiletical Commentary Edited by Joseph S. Exell
TEXT Pro. 29:19-27
19.
A servant will not be corrected by words;
For though he understand, he will not give heed.
20.
Seest thou a man that is hasty in words?
There is more hope of a fool than of him.
21.
He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child
Shall have him become a son at last.
22.
An angry man stirreth up strife,
And a wrathful man aboundeth in transgression.
23.
A mans pride shall bring him low;
But he that is of a lowly spirit shall obtain honor.
24.
Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul;
He heareth the adjuration and uttereth nothing.
25.
The fear of man bringeth a snare;
But whoso putteth his trust in Jehovah shall be safe.
26.
Many seek the rulers favor;
But a mans judgment cometh from Jehovah.
27.
An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous;
And he that is upright in the way is an abomination to the wicked.
STUDY QUESTIONS OVER 29:19-27
1.
What kind of person do you envision in Pro. 29:19?
2.
Our saying, Think before you ……………, is similar to Pro. 29:20.
3.
Why would Pro. 29:21 be so?
4.
Find other passages in the Bible on anger to go along with Pro. 29:22.
5.
Cite some New Testament passages that say the same as Pro. 29:23.
6.
What does adjuration mean (Pro. 29:24)?
7.
Illustrate the first statement of Pro. 29:25.
8.
What do you understand by Pro. 29:26?
9.
Is Pro. 29:27 why people usually change crowds when they become Christians?
PARAPHRASE OF 29:19-27
19.
Sometimes mere words are not enoughdiscipline is needed. For the words may not be heeded.
20.
There is more hope for a fool than for a man of quick temper.
21.
Pamper a servant from childhood, and he will expect you to treat him as a son!
22.
A hot-tempered man starts fights and gets into all kinds of trouble.
23.
Pride ends in a fall, while humility brings honor.
24.
A man who assists a thief must really hate himself! For he knows the consequence but does it anyway.
25.
Fear of man is a dangerous trap, but to trust in God means safety.
26.
Do you want justice? Dont fawn on the judge, but ask the Lord for it.
27.
The good hate the badness of the wicked. The wicked hate the goodness of the good.
COMMENTS ON 29:19-27
Pro. 29:19. Servants were an uneducated group of persons. Personal gain and advancement held no motivation for them. There were likely times when they would sulk. When they got into this mood, it took more than words to get them going again, Bodily punishment was the only language that would get through to them (A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, And a rod for the back of foolsPro. 26:3), and sometimes not even that worked (A rebuke entereth deeper into one that hath understanding than a hundred stripes into a foolPro. 17:10). Such sullen, unresponding stubbornness might result in his death or his sale. An observation: Such stubbornness is not limited to slaves of long-ago. There are people who will not respond to words of wisdom, for even though they understand, they prefer the preservation of their ego than giving heed to the wisdom of another.
Pro. 29:20. Yes, there are some who are hasty of speech. They may be nervous, fidgety people to whom a moment of silence is killing and who speak from the top of their heads instead of the bottom their hearts. Such will have many an apology to make throughout life or suffer the loss of friends. Or some are hasty of speech because of not being aware of the problems that can be caused by such utterances. We have a saying, Think before you speak. Some say, think twice before you speak. A quick-tongued person suffers from this verses comparison (There is more hope of a fool than of him) as does a conceited man in Pro. 26:12.
Pro. 29:21. Delicately bringeth up means to pamper, to spoil, to give one privileges and favors without expecting corresponding responsibilities and obligations. On son, the marginal note reads: The meaning of the word is doubtful, accounting for various translations: ungrateful (Ewald); as a son (American Bible Union); his continuator (Youngs Literal). Clarke observes that such persons are generally forgetful of their obligations, assume the rights and privileges of children, and are seldom good for anything. Isnt that true of most people who are delicately brought up, pampered, spoiled? Such boys grow up to be men in name only, and such girls grow up to be poor wives.
Pro. 29:22. Hebrew parallelism again: angry man and wrathful man; stirreth up and aboundeth; and strife and transgression. Pro. 15:8 says, A wrathful man stirreth up contention; and Pro. 28:25 says, He that is of a greedy spirit stirreth up strife. One who is angry is stirred up, and this causes him to say things and to do things that stirs up strife in others. This strife is not usually a passing thing, but it causes transgression to abound, Because of this Eph. 4:26 says, be ye angry, and sin not. In other words, when angry, take care that you do not sin by what you do and say. How can one keep from sinning further when angry? By taking care of oneself instead of the other fellow: Let not the sun go down upon your wrath (Eph. 4:26)get yourself under control immediately. Let us remember Jas. 1:20 : The wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.
Pro. 29:23. Each individual will have likes and dislikes, spirit, and desires, but just as Pro. 29:22 shows that such can get out of control by way of anger, this verse shows that such can get out of control by way of pride. Mans pride is when he is puffed up, but such actually leads down instead of up. Humility (being of a lowly spirit) actually leads up instead. Others sense a persons pride and deplore it. So does God. Both are against promoting such. For teaching and instances of this subject, see Pro. 15:33; Pro. 16:18; Pro. 18:12; Isa. 66:2; Dan. 4:30-31; Mat. 23:12; Luk. 14:11; Luk. 18:14; Act. 12:23; Jas. 4:6; Jas. 4:10; I. Pet. Pro. 5:6.
Pro. 29:24. This is a court scene. The thief is brought in, and the one wronged. The judge has pronounced a curse upon the thief and upon anyone who knows the crime but refuses to divulge the information. He hateth his own soul in that he is bringing a curse upon himself by his action.
Pro. 29:25. What snare? The snare of the devil (2Ti. 2:26). Fearing men caused Abraham to deny that Sarah was his wife (Gen. 12:11-13; Gen. 20:2), some of the Jewish rulers who believed on Jesus not to say openly (Joh. 12:42), Peter to deny Jesus (Mat. 26:69-74) and to withdraw himself from some Gentiles (Gal. 2:12), leaders to compromise the truth (1Sa. 15:24), weak Christians to recant under persecution (Mat. 13:20-21), etc. This is one of the greatest causes of preachers failing to preach the Word of God as they should.
Pro. 29:26. The last statement of the verse indicates that people try to buy off the king from condemning them in court. They will do everything they can (legitimate and illegitimate) to secure his favorable verdict, but even if they succeed in doing this, they still have God to deal with. Men may have let Jonah on board, but God still prevailed in his case. Ahab may have gotton Naboths vineyard, but God didnt let him enjoy it (1Ki. 21:17-19).
Pro. 29:27. The just and the unjust live in the same world, both eat to sustain physical life, live in houses, etc., but there the comparison ends, for they have adopted altogether different ways of living. The righteous deplore the ways of the wicked (stealing, lying, cheating, drinking, fighting, hating, immorality, etc.). Jesus commended the church at Ephesus: Thou canst not bear evil men (Rev. 2:2). But the wicked deplore the upright just as much, for their ways are a rebuke to them. The wicked have often persecuted the righteous.
TEST QUESTIONS OVER 29:19-27
1.
Pro. 29:19 reflects what attitude sometimes encountered even today?
2.
What kind of person is often hasty in his words (Pro. 29:20)?
3.
What often happens when people are pampered in childhood (Pro. 29:21)?
4.
What does the New Testament say about mans wrath (Pro. 29:22)?
5.
Cite other passages of Scripture on pride besides Pro. 29:23.
6.
Pro. 29:24 pictures what kind of scene?
7.
Cite Bible instances of Pro. 29:25.
8.
Whose favor in Pro. 29:26 should one be seeking?
9.
What is mutual, according to Pro. 29:27?
Fuente: College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
(19) A servant will not be corrected with words.A slave must be corrected by sterner means; it is only fear of punishment which will move him; for though he understand, he will not answer, will not reply to your call, or render obedience to your command. The willing obedience of a son, and the grudging obedience of a slave, are contrasted in Rom. 8:15.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
19. A servant A bondman, a slave. The language is applied to such only as are “under the yoke,” over whom the master has, or claims, the right of corporal punishment.
Will not be corrected by words The proverb implies that where involuntary servitude exists, obedience and submission cannot be enforced by words alone. And such seems to have been the judgment of all men who have had to deal with it. All slave codes give the power of corporal punishment to the master; and even the most humane of masters acknowledge it to be sometimes necessary. Slavery takes away the ordinary motives for labour and faithfulness on the part of the servant, and the motive of fear needs to be appealed to in a greater degree. Moreover, slavery usually keeps its victims in a state of ignorance and degradation; mentally, in the state of children; and physically, in the condition of brutes, to be bought and sold, and otherwise treated without respect to their feelings, wishes, or interests.
Not answer That is, in action will not obey.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Pro 29:19. A servant will not be corrected by words “A slave, and he who is of a servile nature, is not to be amended by reason or persuasion: no, nor by reproofs or threats; for though he hear, and understand too, what you say, yet he will not obey, till he be forced into it by blows.” The LXX read, A stubborn or obstinate servant will not, &c.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not answer. Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him. He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child shall have him become his son at the length. An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression. A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit. Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth cursing, and bewrayeth it not. The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe. Many seek the ruler’s favour; but every man’s judgment cometh from the LORD. An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked.
It is blessed to mark, both in the entrance, the progress, and the issue of things, the mighty difference between him that serveth. the Lord, and him that serveth him not. The Prophet did not, without sufficient cause, deliver that most decided sentence: Say ye to the righteous, that it shall be well with him: for they shall eat the fruit of their doings. Woe unto the wicked, it shall be ill with him; for the reward of his hands shall be given him. Isa 3:10-11 .
Fuente: Hawker’s Poor Man’s Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Pro 29:19 A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not answer.
Ver. 19. A servant will not be corrected by words. ] Some servants will not, but must have blows. If words will do, they must be chidden with good words, and not reviled. Christians must be “no brawlers, but gentle, showing all meekness to all men”; Tit 3:2 and masters must “do the same things, forbearing threatening, knowing that their Master also is in heaven, neither is there respect of persons with him.” Eph 6:9 Severitas nec sit tetra nec tetrica, saith Sidonius. a But because some mastigiae are of so servile a disposition, that they must be beaten to their work, like those Phrygians, Qui non nisi flagris castigantur, that will do nothing longer than scourged to it; or the Russian women, that love that husband best that beats them most, and think themselves else not regarded, unless two or three times a day well favouredly swaddled. b Therefore let him that knows his Master’s will, and yet, out of stoutness, sullenness, or laziness, will not do it, be beaten with many stripes; let him be “buffeted for his faults,” 1Pe 2:20 and made serviceable in all things, “not gainsaying, not purloining.” Tit 2:9-10
a Sidon., Epist.
b Heyl., Geog.
Pro 29:19
Pro 29:19
“A servant will not be corrected by words; For though he understand, he will not give heed.”
“The servant mentioned here is a slave whose obedience is reluctant. Such a person will deliberately refuse to be properly instructed.
Pro 29:19. Servants were an uneducated group of persons. Personal gain and advancement held no motivation for them. There were likely times when they would sulk. When they got into this mood, it took more than words to get them going again, Bodily punishment was the only language that would get through to them (A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, And a rod for the back of fools-Pro 26:3), and sometimes not even that worked (A rebuke entereth deeper into one that hath understanding than a hundred stripes into a fool-Pro 17:10). Such sullen, unresponding stubbornness might result in his death or his sale. An observation: Such stubbornness is not limited to slaves of long-ago. There are people who will not respond to words of wisdom, for even though they understand, they prefer the preservation of their ego than giving heed to the wisdom of another.
servant: Pro 26:3, Pro 30:22
though: Job 19:16
Reciprocal: Gen 16:6 – as it pleaseth thee Exo 21:20 – smite Pro 17:10 – General
Pro 29:19. A servant, &c. A slave, and he who is of a servile nature, is not to be amended by reason or persuasion: no, nor by reproofs or threats; for though he hear, and understand too, what you say, yet he will not obey, till he be forced into it by punishment of his disobedience. The LXX. read, , a stubborn, or obstinate servant will not, &c.
29:19 A {e} servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understandeth he will not answer.
(e) He who is of a servile and rebellious nature.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Fuente: Geneva Bible Notes