Classic KJV - Proverbs 29:19

How do you motivate your workers to give their best? This proverb assumes that people tend to be self-serving, and it’s hard to make them serve others. That takes effort, and words alone are not enough. We need something more. Crudely put, motivations fall into two categories: carrots and sticks. The text seems to favour neither, but it does say that words aren’t enough!

Translation: Slave

The Hebrew word for “slave,” עבד (ʽĕ•ḇĕḏ, pronounced “ěh-věd”), is used almost eight-hundred times in the Bible and appears first in Genesis 9:25-27, when Noah curses Canaan as a slave of slaves, or a servant of servants. ʽĕ•ḇĕḏ can describe both noble, faithful servants, like Abraham’s chief steward (Genesis 24:2), and the ignoble work levies, that the Egyptians forced upon the Israelites (Deuteronomy 5:6). In this proverb, it is translated as “slave” rather than “servant,” to emphasize someone reluctant to work, “though he understands.”

Lazy Employees

Most classical commentators take this proverb to be describing a “typical,” lazy and uncooperative worker. For example Matthew Henry writes:

Here is the description of an unprofitable, slothful, wicked servant, a slave that serves not from conscience, or love, but purely from fear. Let those that have such servants put on patience to bear the vexation...

Other commentators agree with Henry that it refers to what is, at best, a reluctant worker. Yet, I was rather surprised to discover that the Hebrew word is also frequently used of good helpers.

Carrots or Sticks

When it comes to employee motivation, a wise employer will learn, first, about the employees themselves, to see what combination of carrot and stick incentives works best for each one.

Carrots include: salary, wages, financial bonuses, profit sharing, company stock options, vacation time, recreational relaxation trips, health benefits, and other sorts of compensation.

Sticks include: docking any of the above, verbal rebukes and criticisms, or some sort of discomfort (like strictly enforced breaks, stripped work stations, or parking spots taken).

Yet, this text does not necessarily describe a poor performer, though certainly an unmotivated one. Clearly, there’s little trust or fellowship between employer and employee here. However, the carrot and stick analogy is enough, really, only for horses—not people, created in the Image of God. God does not want us, employers or employees, treat each other like horses or mules (Psalm 32:8,9).

Building Trust and Loyalty

If employees are confident that the employer has their best interests at heart (and assuming they receive clear instructions), many or most of them will “bend over backwards” to satisfy their boss. Some employers today complain that the “Next-Gen” workforce are spoiled and entitled, but that really applies only to a few at the extremes, easily weeded out. For most new hires, all it takes is spontaneous justice, kindness, and personal concern, to build real trust and loyalty.

God’s Motivators

The text does not list motivators, but we can learn about God’s triple reward package from Proverbs 22:4.

• Riches: bonuses, rewards beyond the basics, treats, little luxuries, or personalized décor;
• Honour: an employee-of-the-month picture on a wall, or a few bucks for a published ad, extolling their keen service, hugely boosts motivation—providing there’s no favoritism.
• Life: health benefits, flex-time, sabbaticals, and real concern for their basic needs.

Of course, not every worker is the same. Employers must carefully select their employees. Some are more teachable and dedicated than others. But there is another tool to use: profit sharing and shared corporate ownership. We saw a good example of this with Canada’s West-jet Airline: while it was union-free and encouraged employee share-holding, it was renowned for cheerful service. Once it became unionized, all the cheer went out of their service. Share ownership works; God also uses it!

Shared Ownership

When we mere mortals become joint heirs with Christ, we cease to be mere slaves or servants, and become brothers and sisters with Christ. We become children of our Father God, rather than just creatures, made in His image. We heirs respond differently than slaves, since we have a vested interest in His Kingdom. Note how Jesus described the difference between the work of an owner and an employee.

Our Maker, Saviour, and Friend

Jesus contrasted two types of shepherds: the hired hand and the owner.

When a wolf attacks, the hired hand flees, but the owner accepts the risk and defends the sheep. Jesus called Himself the Good Shepherd, who protects His flock, even at the cost of His life. And it did cost Him (John 10:12-18).

The followers of Jesus should feel cherished and inspired to work with all their fervor for a Master who embraces us, not as slaves, but as friends (John 15:15) with joint ownership (Romans 8:17) in an everlasting, indestructible kingdom (Hebrews 12:28).