Proverbs 12:9

¶ [He that is] despised, and hath a servant, [is] better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread.

He that is despised {H7034}, and hath a servant {H5650}, is better {H2896} than he that honoureth {H3513} himself, and lacketh {H2638} bread {H3899}.

Better to be despised and have a servant than to boast of one's status but have nothing to eat.

Better to be lightly esteemed yet have a servant, than to be self-important but lack food.

Better is he that is lightly esteemed, and hath a servant, Than he that honoreth himself, and lacketh bread.

Context

Proverbs 12:9 is nestled within a collection of wise sayings that contrast righteous living with wickedness, diligence with laziness, and wisdom with folly. The book of Proverbs, attributed largely to King Solomon, offers practical guidance for daily life, often highlighting the importance of character, integrity, and humility over outward appearances or temporary gains. This particular verse speaks to the nature of true value and social standing, challenging conventional perceptions of success and honor.

Key Themes

  • Humility vs. Pride: The verse directly contrasts someone who is "despised" (perhaps humble or overlooked) with someone who "honoureth himself" (is proud or self-important). It champions the quiet dignity of the former over the empty boasting of the latter. This theme is echoed throughout Proverbs, emphasizing that pride often leads to a fall, while humility can bring true honor.
  • Substance Over Appearance: The core message is that actual prosperity and capability (indicated by "hath a servant") are far superior to a self-exalted image that masks underlying poverty ("lacketh bread"). True worth is not found in superficial status or self-promotion, but in tangible well-being and practical provision.
  • True Prosperity and Security: Having a servant, in ancient Israelite society, signified a degree of economic stability and the ability to provide for oneself and others. "Lacketh bread" vividly illustrates destitution. The verse redefines prosperity, valuing secure provision over an inflated ego or false front.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "despised" is niqleh (נִקְלֶה), meaning "lightly esteemed," "contemptible," or "insignificant." This suggests someone who might not be held in high regard by society or who does not seek attention. In contrast, "honoureth himself" comes from the root kabad (כָּבַד), which means "to be heavy," "glorious," or "honored." Here, it's used in the reflexive, indicating someone who gives glory or importance to themselves, often implying arrogance or self-exaltation. The simplicity of "hath a servant" (literally "and a servant to him") against "lacketh bread" (literally "lacking bread") starkly highlights the practical realities of their situations.

Practical Application

Proverbs 12:9 offers timeless wisdom for modern life. It encourages us to look beyond superficial appearances and self-promotional rhetoric. In a world often driven by image and social media presence, this verse reminds us that true success and contentment are found in genuine substance, humility, and the ability to meet practical needs, rather than in an inflated sense of self-importance or outward show. It challenges us to value character and real provision over fleeting status or unearned accolades. We are called to embody the humble individual who, though perhaps overlooked by some, possesses true stability and worth, rather than the proud person who may project an image of success but lacks the very necessities of life. This principle aligns with the teachings of Jesus, who often taught that those who humble themselves will be exalted.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Luke 14:11

    For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

  • Proverbs 13:7

    ¶ There is that maketh himself rich, yet [hath] nothing: [there is] that maketh himself poor, yet [hath] great riches.
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