Proverbs 19:10

10 A fool should not live in luxury. A slave should not rule over princes.

Proverbs 19:10 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 19:10

Delight is not seemly for a fool
Such an one as Nabal, whose name and nature were alike; and whose prosperity ill became him, and the mirth and delight he had in it, ( 1 Samuel 25:25 1 Samuel 25:36 ) ; for, as the wise man elsewhere says, "the prosperity of fools shall destroy them", ( Proverbs 1:26 ) ; they do not know how to make a right use of their prosperity; nor to moderate their enjoyments, pleasures, and delights. Some understand this of spiritual delight in the Lord; in his ways and ordinances, which wicked men are strangers to: and a very uncomely thing it is for such persons to talk of spiritual joy and delight, and of their communion with God, when they live in sin; much less for a servant to have rule over princes;
this was a sight which Solomon had seen, but was very disagreeable to him; and was one of the four things the earth cannot bear; the insolence of a servant, when he becomes master over his superiors, is intolerable; see ( Proverbs 30:22 ) ( Ecclesiastes 10:7 ) . It may be spiritually applied to such who are servants of sin; to whose sensual appetites and carnal affections the more noble and princely powers of the soul, the understanding and mind, become subject; which is very improper and unseemly.

Proverbs 19:10 In-Context

8 Those who get wisdom do themselves a favor, and those who love learning will succeed.

9 A witness who lies will not go free, liars will die.

10 A fool should not live in luxury. A slave should not rule over princes.

11 Smart people are patient; they will be honored if they ignore insults.

12 An angry king is like a roaring lion, but his kindness is like the dew on the grass.