Proverbs 19:10
Delight is not seemly for a fool; much less for a servant to have rule over princes.
Original Language Analysis
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 9
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
לִכְסִ֣יל
for a fool
H3684
לִכְסִ֣יל
for a fool
Strong's:
H3684
Word #:
3 of 9
properly, fat, i.e., (figuratively) stupid or silly
אַ֝֗ף
H637
אַ֝֗ף
Strong's:
H637
Word #:
5 of 9
meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
6 of 9
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Historical Context
Reflects ancient Near Eastern social hierarchies where birth determined station. Yet Scripture acknowledges upward mobility for the wise (Joseph, Daniel) while warning that unqualified persons in power breeds chaos.
Questions for Reflection
- Are you stewarding prosperity wisely or squandering it foolishly?
- How do you prepare yourself through character development for responsibilities you aspire to?
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Analysis & Commentary
Delight is not seemly for a fool; much less for a servant to have rule over princes. Luxury doesn't fit fools; leadership by servants over princes fits even less. The verse addresses incongruity - circumstances unsuited to character or station. Fools with prosperity waste it; servants ruling princes inverts proper order. This doesn't endorse rigid class systems but recognizes that character should match circumstance. When it doesn't, dysfunction results.