Proverbs 16:19 kjv
Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.
Proverbs 16:19 nkjv
Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, Than to divide the spoil with the proud.
Proverbs 16:19 niv
Better to be lowly in spirit along with the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud.
Proverbs 16:19 esv
It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor than to divide the spoil with the proud.
Proverbs 16:19 nlt
Better to live humbly with the poor
than to share plunder with the proud.
Proverbs 16 19 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Proverbs 16:18 | Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. | Direct immediate context of pride's consequence. |
| Proverbs 15:33 | The fear of the LORD is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor. | Connects humility with wisdom and honor from God. |
| Proverbs 29:23 | A man's pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor. | Highlights humility leading to honor, opposite of pride. |
| James 4:6 | ...God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. | God's disposition towards proud vs. humble. |
| 1 Peter 5:5 | Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders... God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble. | Exhortation to humility; God's stance against pride. |
| Luke 14:11 | For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. | Divine principle of humility leading to exaltation. |
| Matthew 23:12 | And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. | Jesus' teaching on humility and pride. |
| Matthew 5:3 | "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." | Blessing associated with "humble spirit" or inner lowliness. |
| Matthew 5:5 | "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth." | Blessing on the "lowly" or humble. |
| Isaiah 57:15 | For thus says the High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity... "I dwell in the high and holy place, with him who has a contrite and humble spirit..." | God's preference for humble hearts over earthly status. |
| Isaiah 66:2 | But on this one will I look: On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at My word. | God's attention drawn to the humble and contrite. |
| Philippians 2:3 | Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. | Command to embody humility in actions and thoughts. |
| Romans 12:16 | Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. | Explicit command to associate with the humble, avoiding pride. |
| Micah 6:8 | He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? | Defining true "good" and God's requirements including humility. |
| 1 Timothy 6:9-10 | But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation... For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil... | Warning against desire for worldly gain ("spoil"). |
| Mark 8:36 | For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? | The ultimate worthlessness of worldly gain compared to spiritual truth. |
| Luke 12:15 | And He said to them, "Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses." | Warning against equating life with material possessions ("spoil"). |
| Matthew 6:19-21 | "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth... but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven..." | Contrast between earthly gain and eternal, spiritual riches. |
| Proverbs 3:9-10 | Honor the LORD with your possessions... so your barns will be filled... | Contrasts acquisition of wealth with honoring God for provision. |
| Proverbs 28:25 | He who is of a proud heart stirs up strife, but he who trusts in the LORD will be enriched. | Links pride with conflict, and trusting God with true prosperity. |
| Psalm 10:4 | The wicked in his proud countenance does not seek God... | The proud do not seek God. |
| Proverbs 21:26 | Some people are always craving more, but the righteous give without holding back. | Contrasts greedy acquisition with generous humility. |
| Psalm 25:9 | The humble He guides in justice, and the humble He teaches His way. | God's guidance and teaching are for the humble. |
Proverbs 16 verses
Proverbs 16 19 Meaning
Proverbs 16:19 expresses that having a humble and contrite spirit, and associating with those who are lowly, is far more valuable and desirable than accumulating wealth or gaining victory spoils in the company of the proud and arrogant. It emphasizes an internal, God-honoring disposition over external, material success achieved through pride.
Proverbs 16 19 Context
Proverbs 16 belongs to the collections of Solomon's proverbs, known for its antithetical parallelism where two lines express contrasting ideas. This chapter specifically deals with the sovereignty of God over human plans, the importance of wisdom, and the destructive nature of pride versus the value of humility. Verse 19 follows closely upon Proverbs 16:18, which directly states that "pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall," thereby setting the stage for emphasizing the contrasting virtue of humility. Culturally, "dividing the spoil" referred to the allocation of plunder or booty after a military victory, symbolizing significant worldly gain, power, and prestige in ancient societies. This verse challenges this societal value system, prioritizing spiritual humility over such esteemed material triumph.
Proverbs 16 19 Word analysis
- Better: The Hebrew word is ṭōḇ (טוֹב), meaning good, pleasant, prosperous, or superior. It implies a moral and qualitative preference, not just a practical one. This word frequently points to what is ethically right and blessed in God's eyes.
- it is to be: Implied in the Hebrew construction, reflecting the infinitive nature of the actions described.
- of an humble spirit: The Hebrew phrase is šəp̄al rûaḥ (שְׁפַל רוּחַ).
- šəp̄al (שָׁפַל): To be low, abased, brought low, humble oneself. It conveys a sense of lowness, both physical and spiritual.
- rûaḥ (רוּחַ): Spirit, breath, wind. In this context, it refers to one's disposition, attitude, or inner self. "Humble spirit" thus signifies a lowliness of heart, a modest and contrite disposition, contrasting sharply with haughtiness or arrogance. It implies a realistic self-assessment before God and others, devoid of pride or self-exaltation. This is not self-abasement but a true recognition of one's place and dependence on God.
- with the lowly: The Hebrew is ‘ănāwîm (עֲנָוִים), meaning humble, meek, poor, afflicted, or downtrodden. This term can refer to those who are socio-economically disadvantaged or those who are humble in spirit before God and people. Association with the "lowly" implies valuing character and godliness over social status or worldly success, identifying with those who are not lifted up by pride but depend on the Lord. It suggests a willingness to forgo worldly advantages for genuine fellowship based on humility.
- than to divide: The Hebrew verb is ḥallēq (חַלֵּק), a Piel infinitive construct from ḥāliq, meaning to divide, distribute, or apportion. In this context, it refers to sharing the gains or spoils, often after a battle or conquest, indicating active participation in and benefit from such endeavors.
- the spoil: The Hebrew word is šālāl (שָׁלָל), referring to plunder, booty, spoil of war, or riches taken from enemies. This symbolizes worldly gain, wealth, and status, often acquired through conflict, power, or dominance. Such gains, while prized by society, are contrasted here with spiritual virtues. It often carries connotations of power, self-sufficiency, and even violence in its acquisition, which can foster pride.
- with the proud: The Hebrew is gē’îm (גֵּאִים), meaning proud, arrogant, haughty, or lofty. These are individuals who are lifted up in their own estimation, often self-sufficient, and disregard God or others. To "divide the spoil with the proud" is not just about the material gain, but about the company one keeps and the values these associations represent – valuing pride, power, and worldly acquisition.
Words-group by words-group analysis:
- Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly: This first clause establishes the preferred spiritual state and social connection. It emphasizes the inner condition (humble spirit) over external circumstances and the virtuous choice of company (with the lowly). It implies true blessedness is found in humility and solidarity with the humble, often reflecting a trust in God rather than self or material provision.
- than to divide the spoil with the proud: This second clause presents the contrasting alternative. It describes a situation of material advantage and worldly prestige (to divide the spoil) achieved in the company of the arrogant and those who elevate themselves (with the proud). This arrangement is deemed inferior, as it implies complicity with a spirit of pride and a focus on fleeting material gain that ultimately leads to downfall.
- The overall structure forms an antithetical parallelism, common in Proverbs, where humility is elevated as truly "good" and beneficial over the alluring but ultimately destructive path of pride and its associated worldly gains. It pits divine values against human values.
Proverbs 16 19 Bonus section
The concept of "humble spirit" and being "with the lowly" resonates deeply with the character and teachings of Jesus Christ, who himself chose the path of humility (Phil. 2:5-8), identified with the poor and marginalized (Matt. 25:34-40), and taught radical humility as the way to greatness in God's kingdom (Matt. 20:26-28). The Hebrew word for "lowly" (‘ānāw) often encompasses a spiritual disposition of dependence on God, distinct from merely being socio-economically poor. Therefore, to be with the lowly is to associate with those who walk in meekness and trust God. This proverb also serves as a polemic against the "survival of the fittest" mentality and the glorification of military prowess and material acquisition prevalent in ancient Near Eastern cultures, advocating for a God-centered ethical framework.
Proverbs 16 19 Commentary
Proverbs 16:19 delivers a profound wisdom principle, challenging conventional human metrics of success. It is a powerful statement about God's counter-cultural values, where humility is esteemed above all worldly triumphs achieved through pride. The verse does not merely state that humility is good; it declares it to be "better" (superior, preferable) even to the most desired worldly outcome: dividing spoils of war alongside the victorious and influential. This suggests that genuine contentment, divine favor, and true prosperity lie not in material acquisition or esteemed company built on pride, but in an inner state of humility and fellowship with others who share that same humble disposition, acknowledging God as the source of all good. It warns against the spiritual dangers of ambition divorced from humility and wealth obtained or shared through a proud spirit. This wisdom finds practical application in daily choices: opting for simple honesty over complex schemes for gain, preferring service over self-aggrandizement, and finding peace in moderation rather than constantly striving for more at others' or one's own spiritual expense.