King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
¶ Better [it is to be] of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.
Complete Jewish Bible:
Better to be humble among the poor than share the spoil with the proud.
Berean Standard Bible:
It is better to be lowly in spirit among the humble than to divide the spoil with the proud.
American Standard Version:
Better it is to be of a lowly spirit with the poor, Than to divide the spoil with the proud.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
Better{H2896} it is to be of an humble{H8217} spirit{H7307} with the lowly{H6035}{H6041}, than to divide{H2505} the spoil{H7998} with the proud{H1343}.
Cross-References (KJV):
Matthew 5:3
- ¶ Blessed [are] the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Isaiah 57:15
- For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name [is] Holy; I dwell in the high and holy [place], with him also [that is] of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.
Psalms 138:6
- ¶ Though the LORD [be] high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off.
Psalms 34:18
- The LORD [is] nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
Exodus 15:9
- The enemy said, I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil; my lust shall be satisfied upon them; I will draw my sword, my hand shall destroy them.
Isaiah 53:12
- Therefore will I divide him [a portion] with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.
Luke 1:51
- He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
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Commentary for Proverbs 16:19
Proverbs 16:19 is a verse from the Wisdom Literature of the Hebrew Bible, which reflects the teachings and philosophies of sages in ancient Israel. This particular proverb belongs to a collection attributed to Solomon, the third king of Israel, known for his wisdom. The historical context of this verse is set within the social and moral fabric of ancient Near Eastern society, where themes of humility, pride, and the distribution of wealth or goods played significant roles in communal life.
The verse itself contrasts two scenarios: being humble among the lowly and sharing plunder with the proud. The first part, "Better [it is to be] of an humble spirit with the lowly," emphasizes the virtue of humility and solidarity with those of lesser social status or fortune. It suggests that a person of humble character will find greater value in associating with and learning from those who are humble, perhaps gaining wisdom and maintaining righteousness.
The second part, "than to divide the spoil with the proud," presents a cautionary note. Here, "spoil" likely refers to the gains or wealth acquired through questionable means, and "the proud" could be interpreted as those who are arrogant or unjust. The proverb implies that any benefit, especially ill-gotten gains, shared with such individuals is tainted and less desirable than maintaining humility and righteousness.
In summary, Proverbs 16:19 teaches that true wisdom and moral integrity are found in humility and equitable association with the less fortunate, rather than seeking advantage through alliances with the arrogant and potentially unethical, even if such alliances offer material rewards. This verse reflects the broader themes of Wisdom Literature, which often contrast the righteous path with the perils of pride and unrighteous behavior.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H2896
There are 517 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: טוֹב
Transliteration: ṭôwb
Pronunciation: tobe
Description: from טוֹב; good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good or good thing, a good man or woman; the good, goods or good things, good men or women), also as an adverb (well); beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). - Strong's Number: H8217
There are 18 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שָׁפָל
Transliteration: shâphâl
Pronunciation: shaw-fawl'
Description: from שָׁפֵל; depressed, literally or figuratively; base(-st), humble, low(-er, -ly). - Strong's Number: H7307
There are 348 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: רוּחַ
Transliteration: rûwach
Pronunciation: roo'-akh
Description: from רוּחַ; wind; by resemblance breath, i.e. a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the sky; by resemblance spirit, but only of a rational being (including its expression and functions); air, anger, blast, breath, [idiom] cool, courage, mind, [idiom] quarter, [idiom] side, spirit(-ual), tempest, [idiom] vain, (whirl-) wind(-y). - Strong's Number: H6035
There are 24 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: עָנָו
Transliteration: ʻânâv
Pronunciation: aw-nawv'
Description: or (by intermixture with עָנִי) עָנָיו; from עָנָה; depressed (figuratively), in mind (gentle) or circumstances (needy, especially saintly); humble, lowly, meek, poor. Compare עָנִי. - Strong's Number: H6041
There are 78 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: עָנִי
Transliteration: ʻânîy
Pronunciation: aw-nee'
Description: from עָנָה; (practically the same as עָנָו, although the margin constantly disputes this, making עָנָו subjective and objective); depressed, in mind or circumstances; afflicted, humble, lowly, needy, poor. - Strong's Number: H2505
There are 64 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: חָלַק
Transliteration: châlaq
Pronunciation: khaw-lak'
Description: a primitive root; to be smooth (figuratively); by implication (as smooth stones were used for lots) to apportion or separate; deal, distribute, divide, flatter, give, (have, im-) part(-ner), take away a portion, receive, separate self, (be) smooth(-er). - Strong's Number: H7998
There are 64 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שָׁלָל
Transliteration: shâlâl
Pronunciation: shaw-lawl'
Description: from שָׁלַל; booty; prey, spoil. - Strong's Number: H1343
There are 9 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: גֵּאֶה
Transliteration: gêʼeh
Pronunciation: gay-eh'
Description: from גָּאָה; lofty; figuratively, arrogant; proud.