Proverbs 29:21
He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child shall have him become his son at the length.
Original Language Analysis
וְ֝אַחֲרִית֗וֹ
at the length
H319
וְ֝אַחֲרִית֗וֹ
at the length
Strong's:
H319
Word #:
4 of 6
the last or end, hence, the future; also posterity
Historical Context
Ancient households sometimes saw servants rise to positions of trust and even adoption (Genesis 15:2-3, Eliezer). But wisdom warns that unearned elevation through pampering rather than proven character creates problems. Roman households similarly struggled with spoiled slaves who exploited masters' leniency.
Questions for Reflection
- Where might you be 'delicately bringing up' those you lead, avoiding necessary discipline?
- How does appropriate boundary-setting differ from harshness in parenting or leadership?
- What entitlement issues in your own life stem from being 'indulged' rather than trained in character?
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Analysis & Commentary
He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child—The verb fineq (to bring up delicately, pamper, indulge) suggests excessive softness. Raising a na'ar (youth, child) in luxury without discipline produces unfortunate results: shall have him become his son at the length.
The Hebrew manon (son) at the end is textually difficult; some read it as 'grief' or 'ingratitude.' The wisdom warns against erasing proper boundaries through indulgence—the servant, treated as heir rather than subordinate, eventually claims status he hasn't earned. This applies beyond master-servant contexts to parenting: excessive permissiveness creates entitlement. Proverbs 29:15: 'The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.'