A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not answer.
A servant won't be corrected just by words alone: even though he understands what you're saying, he won't respond or change.
This verse is saying that some people need more than just verbal instruction to learn - they need action or consequences to truly change their behavior.
📚 Historical Context
In ancient Israel, during the time of King Solomon, society included servants who were part of household structures, and the Book of Proverbs was written as a collection of wisdom sayings to guide people in everyday life. This verse reflects the cultural understanding that verbal correction alone might not motivate a servant to change, even if they comprehend the words, highlighting the need for more effective methods in a hierarchical society. Proverbs often drew from real-life observations to teach practical wisdom for maintaining order and righteousness.
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