Proverbs 12:9
He that is despised, and hath a servant, is better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread.
Original Language Analysis
ט֣וֹב
is better
H2896
ט֣וֹב
is better
Strong's:
H2896
Word #:
1 of 7
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
נִ֭קְלֶה
He that is despised
H7034
נִ֭קְלֶה
He that is despised
Strong's:
H7034
Word #:
2 of 7
to be light (as implied in rapid motion), but figuratively, only (be [causatively, hold] in contempt)
מִ֝מְּתַכַּבֵּ֗ד
than he that honoureth
H3513
מִ֝מְּתַכַּבֵּ֗ד
than he that honoureth
Strong's:
H3513
Word #:
5 of 7
to be heavy, i.e., in a bad sense (burdensome, severe, dull) or in a good sense (numerous, rich, honorable); causatively, to make weighty (in the same
Historical Context
Reflects ancient economy where having servants indicated economic productivity and stability. Self-important poverty was both foolish and shameful compared to humble sufficiency.
Questions for Reflection
- Are you more concerned with appearing successful or actually being productive?
- How much energy goes to self-promotion versus actual value-creation?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
He that is despised and has a servant is better than he that honors himself and lacks bread. Modest means with servant (implying productive work providing employment) beats poverty with pretension. This verse criticizes vanity preferring appearance above substance. Better to be humble with resources than proud without necessities. True honor comes from productive labor, not self-promotion.