Key Verse Spotlight
Proverbs 16:19 - Meaning and Application
Understand how this verse speaks to what you're facing and how to apply it today
Translation: World English Bible — Catholic Edition
" It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor, than to divide the plunder with the proud. "
Proverbs 16:19
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
17 The highway of the upright is to depart from evil. He who keeps his way preserves his soul.
18 Pride goes before destruction, and an arrogant spirit before a fall.
19 It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor, than to divide the plunder with the proud.
20 He who heeds the Word finds prosperity. Whoever trusts in the LORD is blessed.
21 The wise in heart shall be called prudent. Pleasantness of the lips promotes instruction.
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Create Free AccountBible Guided Commentary
This is a hard saying for people of this world to accept: it is better to be poor and humble than rich and proud.
Those who share in the spoils of life are often proud. They think highly of themselves and look down on others. Their hearts rise with their position, so people who are rich in this world need this warning: they must not become arrogant (1 Timothy 6:17). Proud people who push themselves forward, who thrust, shove, and scramble for promotion, are often the ones who get the spoils and divide them among themselves. They seem to have the world in their hands.
Still, it is better in every way to take our place with those who are lowly and have learned contentment, than to hunger for display and importance in the world. Humility may bring contempt from people, but it brings us God’s favor. It also makes us ready for his gracious visits and prepares us for his glory. It keeps us from many temptations and gives peace and rest to our own souls. That is far better than proud self-importance, which may win honor and wealth in this world, but makes God our enemy and the devil our master.
From This Chapter
Proverbs 16:1
"The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD."
Proverbs 16:2
"All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the motives."
Proverbs 16:3
"Commit your deeds to the LORD, and your plans shall succeed."
Proverbs 16:4
"The LORD has made everything for its own end— yes, even the wicked for the day of evil."
Proverbs 16:5
"Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD; they shall certainly not be unpunished."
Proverbs 16:6
"By mercy and truth iniquity is atoned for. By the fear of the LORD men depart from evil."
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