Proverbs 29:19 Commentary - Dr Peter Masters

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Proverbs 29:19

Comments

The unspoken implication of this proverb, which comes in a section on nurturing, is that although a servant will not be corrected by words, a child ought to be. The difference between a servant and a child is enormous and is used by the apostle Paul as an illustration of the difference between the old covenant and the new covenant. Israelites born under the law were no better than servants for they served involuntarily, had no permanent place in the house, received no inheritance, and did not have full access to the father. But those who trusted in Christ were emancipated from a state of servitude to a state of full sonship (Galatians 4:1-7) whether Jew or Gentile. Solomon uses pictures without suggesting that his picture is universally true. Although it is not the case that every servant reacts badly to correction, there is nevertheless a difference between a child and a servant. There is a family bond with a child which every parent ought to take advantage of. It makes an enormous difference because it transforms the attitude of the child to correction. The servant is liable to think of correction in entirely negative terms but the son sees that discipline has a very positive aim. He or she is therefore able to bear with reproof because of the good that should come out of it. Although, wonderfully, another proverb is about to tell us about an exception to this, generally speaking the servant will remain a servant and there are limits on what he can aspire to. There is then a reluctance in a servant to take admonition. He understands what is said to him, but he is taciturn because he has no real desire to obey.

Application

A parent bringing up their child must move beyond this sort of master slave relationship. The child must be made to feel loved as a member of the family. Correction must be tempered with praise. There must be allowance for mistakes, for learning, even for disobedience, without the threat of being disowned as a child. There must be forgiveness on the part of the father and mother, and not just the sort of inflexible regime that might apply to a servant.

The relationship between Christians is more like that between parents and children. We are always gracious with one another. We deal with each other in the hope that God will change us, sanctify us, and conform us to the image of Christ. We forgive one another; we bear with one another; we pray for one another. We are heirs together of the grace of life. Therefore we admonish each other gently, lovingly, patiently. We understand and appreciate the voluntary principle, since all that God’s people do to serve the Lord has value because it is offered freely.

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Proverbs 29:19 Commentary and Bible Study