Proverbs 16:19

¶ Better [it is to be] of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.

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}.

Better to be humble among the poor than share the spoil with the proud.

It is better to be lowly in spirit among the humble than to divide the spoil with the proud.

Better it is to be of a lowly spirit with the poor, Than to divide the spoil with the proud.

Proverbs 16:19 offers a profound contrast between two paths in life, emphasizing the spiritual and moral superiority of humility over the pursuit of wealth or status gained through pride and potentially unjust means.

Context

This verse is situated within the book of Proverbs, a collection of divinely inspired wisdom sayings designed to instruct people in righteous living and discernment. Many proverbs, including this one, present antithetical parallels, highlighting the stark differences between wisdom and folly, righteousness and wickedness. Chapter 16, in particular, frequently addresses themes of pride, humility, God's sovereignty, and the true source of lasting prosperity. It often contrasts the transient nature of ill-gotten gains with the enduring value of integrity.

Key Themes

  • The Virtue of Humility: The verse champions an "humble spirit" (Hebrew: ruach shafalah), which signifies a lowly or meek disposition. It suggests that true contentment and spiritual wealth are found in identifying with and valuing the humble, rather than aspiring to the elevated, often corrupt, positions of the proud. This aligns with a core biblical principle that humility precedes honor and true riches.
  • The Danger of Pride and Ill-Gotten Gain: To "divide the spoil with the proud" alludes to sharing in the spoils of war, conquest, or perhaps illicit gain achieved through arrogance, oppression, or deceit. Such "spoil" (Hebrew: shalal) often symbolizes material wealth or power acquired without righteousness. The proverb warns against the allure of such gains, implying they come with moral compromise and are ultimately less desirable than a humble state. This idea resonates with the preceding verse, which states that pride goes before destruction.
  • Choosing Companionship Wisely: The verse also subtly speaks to the company we keep. It's better to associate with those who are humble and lowly in spirit than to align oneself with the proud, even if it means sharing in their perceived success or spoils. This underscores the importance of character over material gain or social standing.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "humble spirit" translates from the Hebrew ruach shafalah, literally "lowly spirit," denoting a spirit of humility and meekness. The "lowly" are the anawim, often referring to the humble, afflicted, or meek, who are frequently favored by God throughout Scripture. Conversely, "spoil" (shalal) refers to plunder or booty, often acquired through conquest or illicit means, highlighting the morally questionable source of the proud's prosperity.

Practical Application

Proverbs 16:19 challenges us to evaluate our values and aspirations. In a world that often glorifies wealth, power, and status, this proverb reminds us that true blessedness lies in character, not possessions. It encourages us to cultivate humility, find contentment in simple living, and choose relationships based on shared values of integrity and meekness, rather than chasing after the fleeting gains or social circles of the arrogant. It teaches that enduring spiritual prosperity and peace of mind are far superior to any material wealth acquired through pride or at the expense of one's moral compass. This principle is echoed in the New Testament, where James reminds us that God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.

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.

  • 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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