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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 29:19 A servant cannot be corrected by words alone; though he understands, he will not respond.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/29-19.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/20/20_Pro_29_19.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 29:19 - The Stiff-Necked will Be Destroyed" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="A servant cannot be corrected by words alone; though he understands, he will not respond." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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though they understand, they will not respond.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/29.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Words alone will not discipline a servant; the words may be understood, but they are not heeded.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/29.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />By mere words a servant is not disciplined, for though he understands, he will not respond.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/29.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />A servant cannot be corrected by words alone; though he understands, he will not respond.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/29.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not answer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/29.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />A servant will not be corrected by mere words; For though he understands, he will not respond.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/29.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />A slave will not be instructed by words <i>alone;</i> For <i>though</i> he understands, there will be no response.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/29.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />A slave will not be instructed by words alone; For though he understands, there will be no response.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/29.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />A slave will not be instructed by words <i>alone;</i> For though he understands, there will be no response.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/29.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />A slave will not be corrected by words <i>alone</i>; For though he understands, there will be no answer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/29.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />A servant will not be corrected by words <i>alone;</i> For though he understands, he will not respond [nor pay attention].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/29.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A servant cannot be disciplined by words; though he understands, he doesn’t respond.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/29.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A slave cannot be disciplined by words; though he understands, he doesn&#8217t respond. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/29.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />A servant will not be corrected by words; For though he understand, he will not give heed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/29.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Even when servants are smart, it takes more than words to make them obey. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/29.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not give heed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/29.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />A slave cannot be disciplined with words. He will not respond, though he may understand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/29.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />You cannot correct servants just by talking to them. They may understand you, but they will pay no attention. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/29.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />By mere words a servant will not be corrected; even though he understands, there will be no response.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/29.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />A servant cannot be corrected by words alone; though he understands, he will not respond.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/29.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />A servant cannot be corrected by words, for although he understands, there is no answer. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/29.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />A servant can't be corrected by words. Though he understands, yet he will not respond.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/29.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understandeth, he will not answer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/29.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />A servant can’t be corrected by words. Though he understands, yet he will not respond. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/29.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />By words a servant is not instructed though he understand, "" And there is nothing answering.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/29.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> By words a servant is not instructed though he understand, And there is nothing answering.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/29.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />A servant will not be corrected by words: for he will understand and not answer.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/29.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />A slave will not be corrected by words: because he understandeth what thou sayest, and will not answer. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/29.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />A servant cannot be taught by words, because he understands what you say, but he disdains to respond.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/29.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Not by words alone can servants be trained; for they understand but do not respond. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/29.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />By mere words servants are not disciplined, for though they understand, they will not give heed.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/29.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />A servant will not be corrected by words; for he knows then that he will not be beaten.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/29.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />A Servant is not disciplined by words, for he knows that he will not be beaten.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/29.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />A servant will not be corrected by words; For though he understand, there will be no response.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/29.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />A stubborn servant will not be reproved by words: for even if he understands, still he will not obey.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/29-19.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=6062" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/29.htm">The Stiff-Necked will Be Destroyed</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">18</span>Where there is no vision, the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the Law. <span class="reftext">19</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/5650.htm" title="5650: ‘ā·ḇeḏ (N-ms) -- Slave, servant. From abad; a servant.">A servant</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō- (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">cannot</a> <a href="/hebrew/3256.htm" title="3256: yiw·wā·ser (V-Nifal-Imperf-3ms) -- To discipline, chasten, admonish. A primitive root; to chastise, literally or figuratively; hence, to instruct.">be corrected</a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: biḏ·ḇā·rîm (Prep-b:: N-mp) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">by words alone;</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">though</a> <a href="/hebrew/995.htm" title="995: yā·ḇîn (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To discern. A primitive root; to separate mentally, i.e.(generally) understand.">he understands,</a> <a href="/hebrew/369.htm" title="369: wə·’ên (Conj-w:: Adv) -- As if from a primitive root meaning to be nothing or not exist; a non-entity; generally used as a negative particle.">he will not</a> <a href="/hebrew/6030.htm" title="6030: ma·‘ă·neh (V-Hifil-Prtcpl-ms) -- To answer, respond.">respond.</a> </span><span class="reftext">20</span>Do you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/8-9.htm">Matthew 8:9</a></span><br />For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell one to go, and he goes, and another to come, and he comes. I tell my servant to do something, and he does it.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/7-8.htm">Luke 7:8</a></span><br />For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell one to go, and he goes, and another to come, and he comes. I tell my servant to do something, and he does it.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/6-5.htm">Ephesians 6:5-9</a></span><br />Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear and sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. / And do this not only to please them while they are watching, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. / Serve with good will, as to the Lord and not to men, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/3-22.htm">Colossians 3:22-25</a></span><br />Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, not only to please them while they are watching, but with sincerity of heart and fear of the Lord. / Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, as for the Lord and not for men, / because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/2-18.htm">1 Peter 2:18-20</a></span><br />Servants, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but even to those who are unreasonable. / For if anyone endures the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God, this is to be commended. / How is it to your credit if you are beaten for doing wrong and you endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/6-1.htm">1 Timothy 6:1-2</a></span><br />All who are under the yoke of slavery should regard their masters as fully worthy of honor, so that God’s name and our teaching will not be discredited. / Those who have believing masters should not show disrespect because they are brothers, but should serve them all the more, since those receiving their good service are beloved believers. Teach and encourage these principles.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/titus/2-9.htm">Titus 2:9-10</a></span><br />Slaves are to submit to their own masters in everything, to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, / not stealing from them, but showing all good faith, so that in every respect they will adorn the teaching about God our Savior.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philemon/1-10.htm">Philemon 1:10-16</a></span><br />I appeal to you for my child Onesimus, whose father I became while I was in chains. / Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me. / I am sending back to you him who is my very heart. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/6-16.htm">Romans 6:16-18</a></span><br />Do you not know that when you offer yourselves as obedient slaves, you are slaves to the one you obey, whether you are slaves to sin leading to death, or to obedience leading to righteousness? / But thanks be to God that, though you once were slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were committed. / You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/4-1.htm">Galatians 4:1-2</a></span><br />What I am saying is that as long as the heir is a child, he is no different from a slave, although he is the owner of everything. / He is subject to guardians and trustees until the date set by his father.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/21-20.htm">Exodus 21:20-21</a></span><br />If a man strikes his manservant or maidservant with a rod, and the servant dies by his hand, he shall surely be punished. / However, if the servant gets up after a day or two, the owner shall not be punished, since the servant is his property.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/15-12.htm">Deuteronomy 15:12-18</a></span><br />If a fellow Hebrew, a man or a woman, is sold to you and serves you six years, then in the seventh year you must set him free. / And when you release him, do not send him away empty-handed. / You are to furnish him liberally from your flock, your threshing floor, and your winepress. You shall give to him as the LORD your God has blessed you. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/25-39.htm">Leviticus 25:39-43</a></span><br />If a countryman among you becomes destitute and sells himself to you, then you must not force him into slave labor. / Let him stay with you as a hired worker or temporary resident; he is to work for you until the Year of Jubilee. / Then he and his children are to be released, and he may return to his clan and to the property of his fathers. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/8-11.htm">1 Samuel 8:11-17</a></span><br />He said, “This will be the manner of the king who will reign over you: He will take your sons and appoint them to serve his own chariots and horses, and to run in front of his chariots. / He will appoint some for himself as commanders of thousands and of fifties, and others to plow his ground, to reap his harvest, and to make his weapons of war and equipment for his chariots. / And he will take your daughters to be perfumers, cooks, and bakers. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/4-1.htm">2 Kings 4:1</a></span><br />Now the wife of one of the sons of the prophets cried out to Elisha, “Your servant, my husband, is dead, and you know that your servant feared the LORD. And now his creditor is coming to take my two children as his slaves!”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not answer.</p><p class="hdg">servant</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/26-3.htm">Proverbs 26:3</a></b></br> A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool's back.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/30-22.htm">Proverbs 30:22</a></b></br> For a servant when he reigneth; and a fool when he is filled with meat;</p><p class="hdg">through</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/19-16.htm">Job 19:16</a></b></br> I called my servant, and he gave <i>me</i> no answer; I intreated him with my mouth.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/9-12.htm">Alone</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-12.htm">Attention</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-19.htm">Clear</a> <a href="/leviticus/26-23.htm">Corrected</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-3.htm">Disciplined</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-4.htm">Heed</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-11.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-11.htm">Instructed</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-23.htm">Mere</a> <a href="/psalms/102-17.htm">Respond</a> <a href="/job/19-7.htm">Response</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-16.htm">Sense</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-27.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-7.htm">Slave</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-6.htm">Trained</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-7.htm">Understand</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-7.htm">Understandeth</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-9.htm">Understands</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-15.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/4-8.htm">Alone</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-27.htm">Attention</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-6.htm">Clear</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-1.htm">Corrected</a> <a href="/isaiah/26-16.htm">Disciplined</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-5.htm">Heed</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-16.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/isaiah/8-11.htm">Instructed</a> <a href="/isaiah/3-4.htm">Mere</a> <a href="/isaiah/14-10.htm">Respond</a> <a href="/daniel/10-12.htm">Response</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-22.htm">Sense</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-21.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-21.htm">Slave</a> <a href="/jeremiah/9-5.htm">Trained</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-18.htm">Understand</a> <a href="/jeremiah/9-12.htm">Understandeth</a> <a href="/isaiah/33-19.htm">Understands</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-20.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 29</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/29-1.htm">observations of public government</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/29-15.htm">and of private</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/29-22.htm">Of anger, pride, thievery, cowardice and corruption</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/29.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/29.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>A servant cannot be corrected by words alone;</b><br>In ancient Near Eastern culture, servants were often part of the household, and their roles were crucial for the functioning of daily life. The term "servant" here can be understood as someone under authority, not necessarily in a demeaning sense but as a part of the social structure. The phrase suggests that verbal instruction or correction is insufficient for someone who is in a position of servitude. This reflects the broader biblical principle that actions often speak louder than words, as seen in <a href="/james/2-17.htm">James 2:17</a>, where faith without works is dead. The need for more than words implies the importance of discipline and practical demonstration, aligning with the biblical theme of wisdom being applied knowledge.<p><b>though he understands,</b><br>Understanding here implies intellectual comprehension. The servant may grasp the instructions or corrections given but lacks the motivation or will to act upon them. This highlights a common biblical theme where knowledge alone is not enough; it must be accompanied by action. This is reminiscent of the parable of the two sons in <a href="/matthew/21-28.htm">Matthew 21:28-31</a>, where the son who initially refuses to work in the vineyard but later goes is commended over the one who agrees but does not go. The emphasis is on the heart's response and the willingness to act, not just intellectual assent.<p><b>he will not respond.</b><br>The lack of response indicates a deeper issue of the heart or will. In biblical terms, this can be seen as a reflection of the human condition post-Fall, where understanding does not always lead to obedience. This is echoed in <a href="/romans/7-15.htm">Romans 7:15-20</a>, where Paul discusses the struggle between knowing what is right and doing it. The phrase suggests that correction must be accompanied by consequences or incentives to elicit a change in behavior. This aligns with the biblical principle of discipline, as seen in <a href="/hebrews/12-11.htm">Hebrews 12:11</a>, where discipline is described as painful at the time but ultimately producing a harvest of righteousness. The need for more than words points to the necessity of transformation, a theme central to the message of the Gospel and the work of the Holy Spirit in believers' lives.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/servant.htm">Servant</a></b><br>In the context of ancient Israel, a servant was often someone who worked under the authority of a master. This could include hired workers, bondservants, or slaves. The term here is used to illustrate someone under authority who requires more than verbal instruction to change behavior.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the king of Israel known for his wisdom. His proverbs often address practical aspects of life and governance.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/a/ancient_israel.htm">Ancient Israel</a></b><br>The cultural and historical backdrop of this proverb, where social hierarchies and the role of servants were well-defined.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_limitations_of_words_alone.htm">The Limitations of Words Alone</a></b><br>Words, while powerful, are not always sufficient to bring about change. This proverb reminds us that actions and consequences often speak louder than words.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_discipline.htm">The Role of Discipline</a></b><br>Discipline is a necessary component of effective leadership and personal growth. It should be administered with wisdom and love, aiming to correct and guide rather than punish.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_and_response.htm">Understanding and Response</a></b><br>Understanding does not always lead to action. True wisdom is demonstrated not just by hearing and understanding but by responding appropriately.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/authority_and_responsibility.htm">Authority and Responsibility</a></b><br>Those in positions of authority have a responsibility to guide and correct those under their care. This requires discernment to know when words are enough and when further action is needed.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_implications.htm">Spiritual Implications</a></b><br>This proverb can be applied to our spiritual lives, reminding us that hearing God's Word is not enough; we must also act on it. Spiritual growth requires both understanding and obedience.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_29.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 29</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_joseph_franklin_rutherford.htm">How can you speak with grace and thoughtfulness?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_embodies_the_essence_of_power.htm">Are they like God's angels in heaven?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_show_love_and_kindness.htm">When is it time to be silent or speak?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_constitutes_willful_sin.htm">What constitutes willful sin?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/29.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(19) <span class= "bld">A servant will not be corrected with words.</span>--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 <a href="/romans/8-15.htm" title="For you have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but you have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.">Romans 8:15</a>.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/29.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 19.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">A servant will not be corrected by words.</span> 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 (<span class="greek">σκληρὸς</span>) slave will not be instructed." The next clause gives an explanation of this necessity. <span class="cmt_word">For though he understand he will not answer.</span> The answer is not merely the verbal response to a command, as, "I go, sir;" but it implies obedience in action. The reluctant slave thoroughly understands the order given, but he pays no heed to it, will not trouble himself to execute it, and therefore must meet with stern treatment (comp. ver. 15; <a href="/proverbs/23-13.htm">Proverbs 23:13</a>, etc.; Proverbs 26:3). "That servant which knew his Lord's will, and made not ready, nor did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes" (<a href="/luke/12-47.htm">Luke 12:47</a>). Septuagint, "For even if he understand, he will not obey." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/29-19.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">A servant</span><br /><span class="heb">עָ֑בֶד</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·ḇeḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5650.htm">Strong's 5650: </a> </span><span class="str2">Slave, servant</span><br /><br /><span class="word">cannot</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹא־</span> <span class="translit">(lō-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">be corrected</span><br /><span class="heb">יִוָּ֣סֶר</span> <span class="translit">(yiw·wā·ser)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3256.htm">Strong's 3256: </a> </span><span class="str2">To discipline, chasten, admonish</span><br /><br /><span class="word">by words [alone];</span><br /><span class="heb">בִּ֭דְבָרִים</span> <span class="translit">(biḏ·ḇā·rîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1697.htm">Strong's 1697: </a> </span><span class="str2">A word, a matter, thing, a cause</span><br /><br /><span class="word">though</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּֽי־</span> <span class="translit">(kî-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he understands,</span><br /><span class="heb">יָ֝בִ֗ין</span> <span class="translit">(yā·ḇîn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_995.htm">Strong's 995: </a> </span><span class="str2">To separate mentally, understand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he will not</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאֵ֣ין</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’ên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_369.htm">Strong's 369: </a> </span><span class="str2">A non-entity, a negative particle</span><br /><br /><span class="word">respond.</span><br /><span class="heb">מַעֲנֶֽה׃</span> <span class="translit">(ma·‘ă·neh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4617.htm">Strong's 4617: </a> </span><span class="str2">An answer, response</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/29-19.htm">Proverbs 29:19 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/29-19.htm">Proverbs 29:19 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/29-19.htm">Proverbs 29:19 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/29-19.htm">Proverbs 29:19 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/29-19.htm">Proverbs 29:19 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/29-19.htm">Proverbs 29:19 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/29-19.htm">Proverbs 29:19 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/29-19.htm">Proverbs 29:19 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/29-19.htm">Proverbs 29:19 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/29-19.htm">Proverbs 29:19 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/29-19.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 29:19 A servant can't be corrected by words (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/29-18.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 29:18"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 29:18" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/29-20.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 29:20"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 29:20" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>