Proverbs 16:19

Authorized King James Version

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

Original Language Analysis

ט֣וֹב Better H2896
ט֣וֹב Better
Strong's: H2896
Word #: 1 of 9
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
שְׁפַל it is to be of an humble H8217
שְׁפַל it is to be of an humble
Strong's: H8217
Word #: 2 of 9
depressed, literally or figuratively
ר֭וּחַ spirit H7307
ר֭וּחַ spirit
Strong's: H7307
Word #: 3 of 9
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
אֶת H854
אֶת
Strong's: H854
Word #: 4 of 9
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
עֲנָיִ֑ים with the lowly H6035
עֲנָיִ֑ים with the lowly
Strong's: H6035
Word #: 5 of 9
depressed (figuratively), in mind (gentle) or circumstances (needy, especially saintly)
מֵֽחַלֵּ֥ק than to divide H2505
מֵֽחַלֵּ֥ק than to divide
Strong's: H2505
Word #: 6 of 9
to be smooth (figuratively)
שָׁ֝לָ֗ל the spoil H7998
שָׁ֝לָ֗ל the spoil
Strong's: H7998
Word #: 7 of 9
booty
אֶת H854
אֶת
Strong's: H854
Word #: 8 of 9
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
גֵּאִֽים׃ with the proud H1343
גֵּאִֽים׃ with the proud
Strong's: H1343
Word #: 9 of 9
lofty; figuratively, arrogant

Analysis & Commentary

Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud. Tov shefal-ruach et-anavim (טוֹב שְׁפַל־רוּחַ אֶת־עֲנָוִים, better lowly of spirit with the humble). Mechalleq shalal et-ge'im (מֵחַלֵּק שָׁלָל אֶת־גֵּאִים, than dividing plunder with the proud). Humble poverty beats proud prosperity. The proverb values character over material gain. Jesus blessed the poor in spirit (Matthew 5:3) and warned against prideful wealth. James 4:6 declares God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. True riches come through humility, not pride.

Historical Context

Ancient warfare brought spoils to victors. Dividing plunder represented wealth and success. Yet this proverb says humble poverty is better. Israel's history vindicated this—proud kings who gained much (like Saul keeping Amalekite spoil, 1 Samuel 15) fell, while humble servants (like David) prospered. Jesus modeled humble poverty over proud wealth (2 Corinthians 8:9, Philippians 2:5-8).

Questions for Reflection