Proverbs 29:19 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 29:19

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... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible 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,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 29:18-23

Fatal defects in the social state I. THE WANT OF COMMANDING RELIGIOUS TEACHING . The great prophets of Israel were the great instructors of the people. They declared Jehovah's living oracles; they made clear the eternal principles of the moral law; they forecast what must be the future under moral conditions. The Christian preacher has succeeded to the office of the Jewish prophet. Woe to the nation if the supply of preachers ceases! if, sunk in material interests, they are... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 29:19

A servant will not be corrected by words. Mere words will not suffice to teach a slave, any more than a child, true, practical wisdom. He needs severer measures, even the correction of personal discipline. Septuagint, "By words a stubborn ( σκληρὸς ) slave will not be instructed." The next clause gives an explanation of this necessity. For though he understand he will not answer. The answer is not merely the verbal response to a command, as, "I go, sir;" but it implies obedience in... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 29:19

Proverbs 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, οικετης σκληρος , a stubborn, or obstinate servant will not, &c. read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Proverbs 29:1-27

Authority with justice (29:1-27)Many themes that we have already met in Proverbs are repeated in this section: stubbornness, good and bad government, family values, prostitution, justice, flattery, cunning and concern for the poor (29:1-7). Scoffers are more than just fools; they are trouble-makers. They are not open to reason and cannot control their temper (8-11).Unjust rulers oppress innocent citizens, and the rich persecute the poor, but good and bad alike receive the blessings that God... read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Proverbs 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."[24] Such a person will deliberately refuse to be properly instructed. read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Proverbs 29:19

Proverbs 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. read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Proverbs 29:19

19. A servant—who lacks good principle. corrected—or discovered. will not answer—that is, will not obey. read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Proverbs 29:1-27

D. Instructive Contrasts chs. 28-29Most of the proverbs in this section are couplets, and most of them set forth a truth by means of a contrast. read more