Proverbs 29:19 Meaning and Explanation
“A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not answer.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Some servants won't respond to verbal correction alone.
The Context of Proverbs 29:19
Proverbs on discipline: stubbornness resists even clear instruction; effective discipline must carry weight.
What Does Proverbs 29:19 Mean?
A servant here represents someone who refuses to heed instruction—not from stupidity but from willfulness. The master speaks, even explains the error and the right path, but the servant won't obey. He understands perfectly; his refusal is deliberate.
This verse suggests that words alone don't reach someone set on disobedience. Correction requires more than speech—perhaps consequence, visible discipline, or demonstrated firmness. The verse implies that patience with an obstinate servant has limits; eventually, stronger measures are necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 29:19
What does Proverbs 29:19 mean?
Some servants won't respond to verbal correction alone.
What is the context of Proverbs 29:19?
Proverbs on discipline: stubbornness resists even clear instruction; effective discipline must carry weight.