Proverbs 29:19

A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not answer. A SERVANT (a slave in spirit, not a free son of God, enslaved to lust, who does no duty from love, but only when driven by fear, John 8:34; ; ). WILL NOT BE CORRECTED BY WORDS (but only by stripes, ); FOR THOUGH HE UNDERSTAND (WHAT YOU SAY), HE WILL NOT ANSWER - to your call, by obeying your command. He does not in act answer to your wishes. Contrast ,...

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....

EXPOSITION This chapter reinforces many precept given previously. PROVERBS 29:1 HE THAT BEING OFTEN REPROVED HARDENETH HIS NECK; literally, _a man of reproofs—_one_ _who has had a long experience of rebukes and warnings. Compare "a man of sorrows" (Isaiah 53:3). The hardening of the neck is a metaphor derived from obstinate draught animals who will not submit to the yoke (Deuteronomy 10:16; Jeremiah 2:20; Jeremiah 27:8). Christ calls his yoke easy, and bids his followers

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:

CHAPTER 29 THE FINAL INSTRUCTIONS These final instructions given in proverbs cover the similar ground as those in the previous Chapter s. Wisdom shines out in each, and the contents of every proverb shows that the author is not Solomon but He who is perfect in knowledge. “He that being often reproved hardeneth his neck shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.” Scripture abounds with examples of cases of hardening the neck and the heart, like Pharaoh, Ahab and others. This proverb will be finally proven to be the truth when an ungodly age will end with judgment for those who were often reproved and continue in sin. Once more the sin of flattery is mentioned. “A man that flattereth his neighbor spreadeth a net for his feet” Proverbs 29:5. Flattery is akin to lying and can never be right, but is always a mistake, which results in the gravest consequences. More servants

PROVERBS 29:2. _cf._ Proverbs 11:10 f., Proverbs 28:12. Proverbs 29:4. he that exacteth gifts: lit. a man of presents. Proverbs 29:9 b. Who is the subject? If it is the wise man, the meaning is that however he treats his opponent, seriously or lightly, he cannot end the matter. If it is the fool, the thought will be that he shows no decorum of manner. The proverb seems directed against a wise man's going to law with a fool....

_words_ He needs sterner measures. _answer_ i.e. respond in work and action: _give heed_, R.V.; οὐχ ὑπακούσεται, 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_....

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....

TEXT Proverbs 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 man's 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 ruler's favor; But a man's judgment cometh from Jehovah.

KINGS AND FATHERS 3. Cp. the prodigal son (Luke 15)....