Proverbs 29:19
By mere words a servant is not disciplined, for though he understands, he will not respond.
In context
16 When the wicked increase, transgression increases, but the righteous will look upon their downfall.
17 Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your heart. 18 Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law. 19 By mere words a servant is not disciplined, for though he understands, he will not respond. 20 Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
21 Whoever pampers his servant from childhood will in the end find him his heir. 22 A man of wrath stirs up strife, and one given to anger causes much transgression.
Compare in other versions
- KJV King James Version
— Proverbs 29:19 in the KJV
A servant will not be corrected by words: For though he understand he will not answer.
- NIV New International Version
— Proverbs 29:19 in the NIV
Servants cannot be corrected by mere words; though they understand, they will not respond.