Fair Play

For Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Proverbs 29:21

Whoever pampers his servant from childhood
will in the end find him his heir.

The final word of this proverb is difficult to translate. But the common understanding of all translators is that the pampering of a servant leads that servant to become spoiled. Instead of growing in devotion to his master, he becomes insolent. Indeed, the roles become reversed; the servant expects special treatment from the master. This is especially true if there are other servants who are not pampered. But then, there is the opposite problem of masters who are harsh with their servants, who in the end find such servants to be rebellious and surly.

What then is the answer? (And this applies, by the way, to all relationships in which one person is in a position of authority over another.) Paul gives the answer in Colossians 4:1: "Masters, treat your slaves justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven."

The person in authority makes his mistake by either acting as though there is no leader-subordinate relationship, and thus tries to be a mere "friend," or he accentuates the leader-subordinate relationship, emphasing the exercise of authority. His focus needs to be on justice and fairness. Each - the one in authority and the subordinate - has a role to play and job to do. Ignoring the distinction between the two will only create misunderstanding as expectations are not met. One works under and for the other. That needs to be understood.

But all the more important, then, for the one in authority to treat the subordinate fairly by not being harsh, by giving clear direction, by make expectations understood, by rewarding in a fair manner good work, as well as disciplining in a fair manner. Fairness is the key concept here. You can harm the subordinate by being too harsh and by being indulgent. What is needed is fair play.