- Home
- Bible
- Proverbs
- Chapter 16
- Verse 16
Proverbs 16:19
Verse
Context
Sermons
Zac Poonen
Joshua Daniel
Gilbert K. Chesterton
Thomas Boston
John PiperSummary
Commentary
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
19 Better in humility to dwell among sufferers, Than to divide spoil among the proud. The form שׁפל is here not adj. as Pro 29:23 (from שׁפל, like חסר, Pro 6:32, from חסר), but inf. (like Ecc 12:14, and חסר, defectio, 10:21). There existed here also no proper reason for changing עניּים (Chethı̂b) into ענוים; Hitzig is right in saying that עני may also be taken in the sense of ענו [the idea "sufferer" is that which mediates], and that here the inward fact of humility and the outward of dividing spoil, stand opposed to one another. It is better to live lowly, i.e., with a mind devoid of earthly pride (Demut [humility] comes from do with the deep e, diu, servant), among men who have experience of the vanity of earthly joys, than, intoxicated with pride, to enjoy oneself amid worldly wealth and greatness (cf. Isa 9:2).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
divide the spoil--that is, conquer. Avoid the society of the proud (Jam 4:6).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly,.... The followers of the meek and lowly Jesus, whose spirits are humbled under a sense of sin; have mean thoughts of themselves and their own righteousness, and submit to the righteousness of the Son of God, and wholly trust in him for salvation; and ascribe all they have and are to the free grace of God; humble themselves under the mighty hand of God; are resigned to his will, and patiently bear all afflictions without murmuring, and think better of others than themselves: these are not in so much danger of falling as the proud and haughty, and are more grateful to men, and acceptable to God; with these he vouchsafes to dwell; to these he gives more grace, and they shall inherit the earth. Wherefore it is better to be of such a spirit, and be ranked among and keep company with the meek and lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud; the spoils of the poor with proud oppressors; or spoils gotten in war with proud and ambitious princes; or the spoils of kingdoms and states with antichrist, divided by him among his proud followers: it is better to be the followers of Christ, and have but little, than to be his, and have ever so much.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
This is a paradox which the children of this world cannot understand and will not subscribe to, that it is better to be poor and humble than to be rich and proud. 1. Those that divide the spoil are commonly proud; they value themselves and despise others, and their mind rises with their condition; those therefore that are rich in this world have need to be charged that they be not high-minded, Ti1 6:17. Those that are proud and will put forth themselves, that thrust, and shove, and scramble, for preferment, are the men that commonly divide the spoil and share it among them; they have the world at will and the ball at their foot. 2. It is upon all accounts better to take our lot with those whose condition is low, and their minds brought to it, than to covet and aim to make a figure and a bustle in the world. Humility, though it should expose us to contempt in the world, yet while it recommends us to the favour of God, qualifies us for his gracious visits, prepares us for his glory, secures us from many temptations, and preserves the quiet and repose of our own souls, is much better than that high-spiritedness which, though it carry away the honour and wealth of the world, makes God a man's enemy and the devil his master.
Proverbs 16:19
The Reply of the Tongue Is from the LORD
18Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. 19It is better to be lowly in spirit among the humble than to divide the spoil with the proud.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Building Through Discipleship (Tamil)
By Zac Poonen1.3K1:01:17EXO 33:14PSA 51:17PRO 16:19ISA 41:10MAT 18:4ROM 8:312CO 12:9PHP 4:13JAS 4:101PE 5:6
This sermon emphasizes the importance of God's presence in our lives, drawing parallels from the story of Moses confronting the powerful empire of his time. It highlights the need for humility, brokenness, and complete reliance on God, showcasing how God's presence can empower us to overcome any challenge or affliction. The speaker encourages a deep longing for God's presence, reminding listeners that with God on our side, nothing can stand against us.
New Covenant Truths - the Inner Life - Part 4
By Zac Poonen1.1K09:51PSA 51:17PRO 16:19MAT 5:3LUK 18:9JAS 4:6
This sermon delves into the comparison between the Nine Beatitudes and the Ten Commandments, emphasizing the importance of being 'poor in spirit' as the gateway to the Kingdom of Heaven. It explores the concept of spiritual poverty through the example of a beggar's daily dependence, highlighting the need for genuine humility and reliance on God in prayer to receive answers and experience victory over sin.
The Key to Blessing
By Joshua Daniel58245:31PSA 34:18PSA 51:17PRO 16:19PRO 22:4ISA 57:15MAT 5:3LUK 18:14PHP 2:3JAS 4:101PE 5:6
This sermon emphasizes the importance of humility and a broken spirit as key elements to receiving God's blessings. It discusses the dangers of arrogance and pride, highlighting the need for genuine repentance and humility before God. The speaker urges listeners to align their attitudes with God's principles and seek a humble heart to experience the immeasurable blessings of heaven.
Mr. H. G. Wells and the Giants
By Gilbert K. Chesterton01SA 16:7PSA 138:6PRO 16:19PRO 22:4ISA 57:15MAT 23:12PHP 2:3JAS 4:101PE 5:6Gilbert K. Chesterton preaches about the importance of humility, sincerity, and the true nature of heroism. He emphasizes the need to see beyond appearances and recognize the virtues that lie within individuals, even those who may seem hypocritical. Chesterton discusses the paradox of Christian humility leading to incredible achievements and the practical success of Christendom. He also critiques the modern scientific outlook, highlighting the necessity of caring for important things like marriage with a sense of recklessness and passion. Chesterton concludes by reflecting on the lost art of war, where true heroism lies in defying the powerful and championing the cause of the weak.
The Crook in the Lot - Part 2
By Thomas Boston0PSA 138:6PRO 16:19PRO 22:4ISA 57:15MAT 23:12LUK 14:11PHP 2:3JAS 4:101PE 5:6Thomas Boston preaches about the importance of humbling ourselves under the mighty hand of God, emphasizing the need to submit to God's providence and accept our circumstances with humility. He contrasts the outcomes of being humble and proud, highlighting how humility leads to peace of mind, favor with God, and eventual exaltation by Him. Boston urges believers to focus on cultivating a spirit of humility, trusting that God will lift them up in His perfect timing.
It's My Pleasure!
By John Piper0PRO 16:19ISA 66:2MAT 5:3MAT 23:12MRK 8:342CO 9:7HEB 12:21PE 5:5John Piper preaches about Christian Hedonism, emphasizing the pursuit of joy as a proper motive for all actions, including worship and obedience to God. He connects joy in God to humility, highlighting the importance of humility as God's pathway to infinite pleasure and a guard against pride. Piper explains that Christian Hedonism aids humility by teaching believers to seek pleasure in worshipping God and loving others, leading to a lack of craving for compliments and praise.
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
19 Better in humility to dwell among sufferers, Than to divide spoil among the proud. The form שׁפל is here not adj. as Pro 29:23 (from שׁפל, like חסר, Pro 6:32, from חסר), but inf. (like Ecc 12:14, and חסר, defectio, 10:21). There existed here also no proper reason for changing עניּים (Chethı̂b) into ענוים; Hitzig is right in saying that עני may also be taken in the sense of ענו [the idea "sufferer" is that which mediates], and that here the inward fact of humility and the outward of dividing spoil, stand opposed to one another. It is better to live lowly, i.e., with a mind devoid of earthly pride (Demut [humility] comes from do with the deep e, diu, servant), among men who have experience of the vanity of earthly joys, than, intoxicated with pride, to enjoy oneself amid worldly wealth and greatness (cf. Isa 9:2).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
divide the spoil--that is, conquer. Avoid the society of the proud (Jam 4:6).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly,.... The followers of the meek and lowly Jesus, whose spirits are humbled under a sense of sin; have mean thoughts of themselves and their own righteousness, and submit to the righteousness of the Son of God, and wholly trust in him for salvation; and ascribe all they have and are to the free grace of God; humble themselves under the mighty hand of God; are resigned to his will, and patiently bear all afflictions without murmuring, and think better of others than themselves: these are not in so much danger of falling as the proud and haughty, and are more grateful to men, and acceptable to God; with these he vouchsafes to dwell; to these he gives more grace, and they shall inherit the earth. Wherefore it is better to be of such a spirit, and be ranked among and keep company with the meek and lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud; the spoils of the poor with proud oppressors; or spoils gotten in war with proud and ambitious princes; or the spoils of kingdoms and states with antichrist, divided by him among his proud followers: it is better to be the followers of Christ, and have but little, than to be his, and have ever so much.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
This is a paradox which the children of this world cannot understand and will not subscribe to, that it is better to be poor and humble than to be rich and proud. 1. Those that divide the spoil are commonly proud; they value themselves and despise others, and their mind rises with their condition; those therefore that are rich in this world have need to be charged that they be not high-minded, Ti1 6:17. Those that are proud and will put forth themselves, that thrust, and shove, and scramble, for preferment, are the men that commonly divide the spoil and share it among them; they have the world at will and the ball at their foot. 2. It is upon all accounts better to take our lot with those whose condition is low, and their minds brought to it, than to covet and aim to make a figure and a bustle in the world. Humility, though it should expose us to contempt in the world, yet while it recommends us to the favour of God, qualifies us for his gracious visits, prepares us for his glory, secures us from many temptations, and preserves the quiet and repose of our own souls, is much better than that high-spiritedness which, though it carry away the honour and wealth of the world, makes God a man's enemy and the devil his master.