Proverbs 12:9

Better is he who is lightly esteemed, and has a servant,than he who honors himself, and lacks bread.

New Heart English 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 shall be commended according to his wisdom,but he who has a warped mind shall be despised.

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

Read all of Proverbs 12

Cross References

Proverbs 13:7There are some who pretend to be rich, yet have nothing.There are some who pretend to be poor, yet have 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 →

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