He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child shall have him become [his] son at the length.
Ver. 21. He that delicately bringeth up his servant.] A master that would be, as he ought, both loved and feared by his servants, must see to two things: - (1.) The well-choosing; and (2.) The well using of them. This Solomon himself, that thus adviseth here, was not so well advised of; for he saw that Jeroboam, who gave occasion, as it is conceived, of uttering this proverb, was meet for the work, and therefore, not examining his religion, entertained him into his service, yea, placed him over the family of Joseph, admitted him into so much familiarity, and so let loose the bridle of domestic discipline to him, that he took estate upon him as a young master in the house, and soon after turned traitor, and would needs be as his son, and more. The like is to be seen in Abner, Ishbosheth's servant, who grew so haughty and haunty, that he might not be spoken to, 2Sa 3:7-11 and in Zimri, whom his master Elah so favoured and esteemed, that he made him captain over the half part of his chariots. But this beggar, thus set on horseback, rides without reins, to the ruin of his master and his whole house. 1Ki 16:11 So true is that of the poet -
“ Aφορητος εστι μαστιγιας ευτυχων .”
“Asperius nihil est humili dum surgit in altum.”
Tobiah the servant is so insolent there is no dealing with him.