Proverbs 12:9
Proverbs 12:9 in Multiple Translations
Better to be lightly esteemed yet have a servant, than to be self-important but lack food.
He that is despised, and hath a servant, is better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread.
Better is he that is lightly esteemed, and hath a servant, Than he that honoreth himself, and lacketh bread.
He who is of low position and has a servant, is better than one who has a high opinion of himself and is in need of bread.
Better to be a humble man serving himself than a boastful man who has nothing to eat.
He that is despised, and is his owne seruant, is better then he that boasteth himselfe and lacketh bread.
Better [is] the lightly esteemed who hath a servant, Than the self-honoured who lacketh bread.
Better is he who is little known, and has a servant, than he who honors himself and lacks bread.
He that is despised, and hath a servant, is better than he that honoreth himself, and is destitute of bread.
Better is the poor man that provideth for himself, than he that is glorious and wanteth bread.
It is better to be a humble/ordinary person who has only one servant than to think that you are very important while you have nothing to eat.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 12:9
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 12:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
ט֣וֹב
נִ֭קְלֶה
וְ/עֶ֣בֶד
ל֑/וֹ
מִ֝/מְּתַכַּבֵּ֗ד
וַ/חֲסַר
לָֽחֶם
ט֣וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Adj
נִ֭קְלֶה
qâlâh
H7034
to dishonor
V-Niphal
וְ/עֶ֣בֶד
ʻebed
H5650
servant/slave
Conj | N-ms
ל֑/וֹ
Prep | Suff
מִ֝/מְּתַכַּבֵּ֗ד
kâbad
H3513
to honor
Prep | V-Hithpael
וַ/חֲסַר
châçêr
H2638
lacking
Conj | Adj
לָֽחֶם
lechem
H3899
food
N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 12:9
ט֣וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
נִ֭קְלֶה
qâlâh
H7034
"to dishonor"
V-Niphal
It means to dishonor or treat with contempt, like the way David felt when he was despised by his brothers in 1 Samuel 17:28 or how God feels when people disobey him in Malachi 1:6.
Definition: 1) to disgrace, dishonour, be lightly esteemed, be dishonoured, be despised 1a) (Niphal) to be dishonoured, be despised, be lightly esteemed 1b) (Hiphil) to treat with contempt, dishonour, treat shamefully
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: base, contemn, despise, lightly esteem, set light, seem vile. See also: Deuteronomy 25:3; Proverbs 12:9; Isaiah 3:5.
וְ/עֶ֣בֶד
ʻebed
H5650
"servant/slave"
Conj | N-ms
This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.
Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)
Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.
ל֑/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
מִ֝/מְּתַכַּבֵּ֗ד
kâbad
H3513
"to honor"
Prep | V-Hithpael
This word can mean to honor or make something weighty, like when God is glorified in Psalm 138, or to be heavy with burdens, as the Israelites were in Exodus 18.
Definition: : honour/glory 1) to be heavy, be weighty, be grievous, be hard, be rich, be honourable, be glorious, be burdensome, be honoured 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be heavy 1a2) to be heavy, be insensible, be dull 1a3) to be honoured 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made heavy, be honoured, enjoy honour, be made abundant 1b2) to get oneself glory or honour, gain glory 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to make heavy, make dull, make insensible 1c2) to make honourable, honour, glorify 1d) (Pual) to be made honourable, be honoured 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to make heavy 1e2) to make heavy, make dull, make unresponsive 1e3) to cause to be honoured 1f) (Hithpael) 1f1) to make oneself heavy, make oneself dense, make oneself numerous 1f2) to honour oneself
Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: abounding with, more grievously afflict, boast, be chargeable, [idiom] be dim, glorify, be (make) glorious (things), glory, (very) great, be grievous, harden, be (make) heavy, be heavier, lay heavily, (bring to, come to, do, get, be had in) honour (self), (be) honourable (man), lade, [idiom] more be laid, make self many, nobles, prevail, promote (to honour), be rich, be (go) sore, stop. See also: Genesis 13:2; Job 6:3; Psalms 15:4.
וַ/חֲסַר
châçêr
H2638
"lacking"
Conj | Adj
Being in need or lacking something is what this word means. It describes a state of poverty or want, often used to describe people who are struggling. The Bible talks about lack and need in books like Isaiah and Jeremiah.
Definition: in need of, lacking, needy, in want of
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: destitute, fail, lack, have need, void, want. See also: 1 Samuel 21:16; Proverbs 10:21; Proverbs 6:32.
לָֽחֶם
lechem
H3899
"food"
N-cs
This Hebrew word refers to food, especially bread or grain. It's used throughout the Bible to describe meals, sacrifices, and daily life, highlighting the importance of food in ancient Israelite culture.
Definition: : food(eating) 1) bread, food, grain 1a) bread 1a1) bread 1a2) bread-corn 1b) food (in general)
Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: (shew-) bread, [idiom] eat, food, fruit, loaf, meat, victuals. See also: Genesis 3:19; 1 Samuel 20:34; Psalms 14:4.
Study Notes — Proverbs 12:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 12:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 12:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 12:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 12:9
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 12:9
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 12:9
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 12:9
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 12:9
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 12:9
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 12:9
- Sermons on Proverbs 12:9
Context — Loving Discipline and Knowledge
7The wicked are overthrown and perish, but the house of the righteous will stand.
8A man is praised according to his wisdom, but a twisted mind is despised.
9Better to be lightly esteemed yet have a servant, than to be self-important but lack food.
10A righteous man regards the life of his animal, but the tender mercies of the wicked are only cruelty. 11The one who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies lacks judgment.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luke 14:11 | For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” |
| 2 | Proverbs 13:7 | One pretends to be rich, but has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth. |
Proverbs 12:9 Summary
Proverbs 12:9 teaches us that it's better to be humble and have what we need, than to be self-important and lack the basics. This means that true happiness and fulfillment come from being content with what we have, rather than trying to impress others or seek wealth and status (as seen in 1 Timothy 6:6-8). By being humble and grateful, we can experience a more stable and fulfilling life, as promised in Psalm 37:16. By applying this principle, we can focus on what truly matters and find joy in our daily lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be 'lightly esteemed' in Proverbs 12:9?
To be lightly esteemed means to be humble and not seeking to elevate oneself above others, as seen in Proverbs 12:9, which contrasts with being self-important, and is in line with the teachings of Proverbs 22:4 and Matthew 23:12
Is having a servant in Proverbs 12:9 a literal command to have a servant?
No, having a servant in Proverbs 12:9 is a metaphor for having the means to provide for oneself and others, as opposed to being self-important but lacking the necessities, similar to the principles found in Proverbs 28:19 and 2 Thessalonians 3:10
How does Proverbs 12:9 relate to the concept of pride and humility?
Proverbs 12:9 teaches that humility is more valuable than pride, as it allows for a more stable and fulfilling life, as also seen in Proverbs 16:18 and 1 Peter 5:6
What is the main message of Proverbs 12:9?
The main message of Proverbs 12:9 is that true fulfillment and happiness come from humility and contentment, rather than from seeking to elevate oneself above others, as supported by Psalm 37:16 and 1 Timothy 6:6-8
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I prioritize being self-important over being humble and content?
- How can I apply the principle of being 'lightly esteemed' in my relationships and daily interactions?
- What are some ways I can cultivate a sense of humility and gratitude in my life, and how will this impact my relationships with others?
- How does Proverbs 12:9 challenge my priorities and values, and what changes can I make to align with its teachings?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 12:9
[He that is] despised, and hath a servant,.... Meaning not the same person as before, but one in mean circumstances of life; and because he has not that substance as others have, at least does not
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 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, and hath a servant, is better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 12:9
That is despised; that liveth in a mean and obscure condition in the world, for such are commonly despised by men of a higher rank. Hath a servant; hath but one servant. Or rather, is servant to himself; hath none to wait upon him or work for him but himself, that getteth bread by his own labours. Is better, is happier, than he that honoureth himself, that glorieth in his high birth or gay attire, and lacketh bread, wants necessaries for his own sustenance.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 12:9
Proverbs 12:9 [He that is] despised, and hath a servant, [is] better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread.Ver. 9. Better is he that is despised.] Viz., Of others, and hath no extraordinary opinion of himself, but sticks close to his business, and hath help at hand when he pleases, a servant at his beck and check. This was the case of Galleacius Caracciolus, that noble marquis, in his exile at Geneva for conscience’ sake. See his life set forth in English by Mr Crashaw. Than he that honoureth himself and lacketh bread.] That standing upon his slippers, and boasting of his gentility - as those Spanish Hidalgoes ruffle it out in brave apparel - but hath not a penny in his purse, yea, not sometime food sufficient to put in his belly. Spaniards are said to be impudent braggers, and extremely proud in the lowest ebb of fortune. If a Spaniard have but a capon, or the like good dish to his supper, you shall find the feathers scattered before his door the next morning. Heyl., Geog.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 12:9
(9) He that is despised.—That is, lowly in his eyes and those of others, as David (1 Samuel 18:23); if “he hath a servant,” that is, if he be in easy circumstances. It has been remarked that “the first necessity of an Oriental in only moderate circumstances is a slave.” He that honoureth himself.—Boasts of his pedigree, it may be, and is all the while starving.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 12:9
Verse 9. He that is despised, and hath a servant] I believe the Vulgate gives the true sense of this verse: Melior est pauper, et sufficiens sibi; quam gloriosus, et indigens pane. "Better is the poor man who provides for himself, than the proud who is destitute of bread." The versions in general agree in this sense. This needs no comment. There are some who, through pride of birth, &c., would rather starve, than put their hands to menial labour. Though they may be lords, how much to be preferred is the simple peasant, who supports himself and family by the drudgery of life!
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 12:9
9. despised] Rather, lightly esteemed, R.V.; a person of no consequence, in the eyes of others, and perhaps (as in 1 Samuel 18:23, the word is used by David of himself) in his own eyes also, in contrast to him who honoureth himself. hath a servant] Notwithstanding his lowly position he is well enough off to keep a slave. Zebedee, though only a fisherman, had hired servants (Mark 1:20). Another rendering (with a change of Heb. vowel points), is a servant to himself, works for his own living, is adopted by the LXX. ἐνἀτιμίᾳδουλεύωνἑαυτῷ, and by the Vulg., pauper et subjiciens sibi. Comp. for the sentiment, Sir 10:27 : “Better is he that laboureth and aboundeth in all things, Than he that glorifieth himself and lacketh bread.”
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 12:9
Two interpretations are equally tenable; (1) as in the King James Version, He whom men despise, or who is “lowly” in his own eyes (compare 1 Samuel 18:23), if he has a slave, i.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 12:9
9. He that is despised — Lowly, little noticed, or lightly esteemed. 1 Samuel 18:23. It is a different word from that rendered “despised” in Proverbs 12:8.
Sermons on Proverbs 12:9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Dying to Self (Part 1 of 2) by Keith Green | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of committing everything to God. He references Luke 12:35-36, where Jesus instructs his followers to be ready and alert for t |
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Prayer and Fasting - When You Fast by Derek Prince | This sermon emphasizes the importance of fasting as a key to effective praying, highlighting the need for humility, prayer, seeking God's face, and turning from wicked ways. It dra |
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(Basics) 34. Humility in Jesus' Death by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of demonstrating the life of Christ in our own lives and localities. He highlights the humility of Jesus, particularly in the |
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Clothed in Humility, Part Two by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, Brother K.P. Johannon emphasizes the importance of humility in the Christian life. He encourages listeners to recognize their unworthiness and to view themselves as |
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Giving Our Mind to Christ - Part 6 by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of living a life free from selfishness and pride, urging believers to adopt humility, unselfish love, and generosity towards others. It contra |
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Feeding the Lost Multitude - Part 2 by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his past experiences and shares a story about a preacher named Vance Havner who had a powerful impact on people. The speaker emphasizes the |
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God Exalts the Lowly by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a gathering of ministers, magistrates, and high-ranking officials in a luxurious setting. One person, who is referred to as "He," a |