Proverbs 12:9

Better to be lightly esteemed yet have a servant, than to be self-important but lack food.

Berean Standard Bible

In The King James Version

He that is despised, and hath a servant, is better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread.

In Context

8A man is praised according to his wisdom, but a twisted mind is despised.

10A righteous man regards the life of his animal, but the tender mercies of the wicked are only cruelty.

Read all of Proverbs 12

Cross References

Proverbs 13:7One pretends to be rich, but has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.

Matthew Henry on Proverbs 12:9

8 A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised. We are here told whence to expect a good name. Reputation is what most have a high regard to and stand much upon. Now it is certain, 1. The best reputation is that which attends virtue and serious piety, and the prudent conduct of life: A man shall be commended by all that are wise and good, in conformity to the judgment of God himself, which we are sure is according to truth, not according to his riches or… Read the whole commentary →

This Verse In Other Editions

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