Proverbs 29:11

The book of Proverbs gives us insights into so many different areas of life. The book gives us instruction on how to live our lives for God. Here is a proverb that gives us insight about working relationships;

Proverbs 29:21 (ESV)

Whoever pampers his servant from childhood

will in the end find him his heir.

Most of the older commentaries treat the above proverb in the negative.   They almost unanimously believe that the "soft" treatment of the slave was neither good for the slave or the owner.  According to them, the favored treatment would allow the slave to think of himself more than he was: A simple slave.  It would also hinder the need of the owner, as he would not have anyone to do the work of the slave.  These may well be fair interpretations of the proverb and certainly the word "pamper" leads to some corrupt and negative thinking.    The word is only used once in the the Old Testament, here in Proverbs and only by Solomon. So, it is difficult to remove our modern day thinking as we translate it.   However, perhaps a another interpretation, that fits more of the context of Proverbs and other teaching in God's Word, is that the fair and gracious treatment of those who are subservient will eventually lead to their loyalty and deep relationship with us.   We are taught all the way through Scripture to be gracious, kind and merciful to those who serve us.  We are also taught by our Lord that the servant, who walks humbly with God, will be promoted over others, in the end.    Solomon taught in Proverbs 17:5 that to mistreat the poor (the slave would qualify as to this category) is to insult God.  

Proverbs 17:5 (ESV)

5 Whoever mocks the poor insults his Maker;

he who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished.

In Proverbs 14:35 we are told that the slave who acts wisely obtains the favor of the King.   

Proverbs 14:35 (ESV)

35 A servant who deals wisely has the king’s favor,

but his wrath falls on one who acts shamefully.

In today's world the fair and gracious treatment of those we employ (wether in a working relationship; contracting relationship; or customer service relationship) would go a long way to develop a great relationship.   It is better to treat others by God's grace and gain a relationship with them than to treat them harshly and poorly based upon their "status."   Develop relationship - don't damage them.