Proverbs 16:19

19 Better to be lowly of spirit with the humble[a] than to divide plunder with the proud.[b]

Proverbs 16:19 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 16:19

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.

Proverbs 16:19 In-Context

17 The highway of the upright avoids evil; the one who guards his way protects his life.
18 Pride comes before destruction, and an arrogant spirit before a fall.
19 Better to be lowly of spirit with the humble than to divide plunder with the proud.
20 The one who understands a matter finds success, and the one who trusts in the Lord will be happy.
21 Anyone with a wise heart is called discerning, and pleasant speech increases learning.

Footnotes 2

  • [a]. Alt Hb tradition reads afflicted
  • [b]. Pr 15:16-17; 16:8; Ps 37:16
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