Humility with the lowly is far better than sharing in the gains of the proud.
The value judgment expressed in Proverbs 16:19 shows that: It is better to be humble in spirit with the lowly than to divide the spoil with the proud (v. 19). Solomon again contrasts moral quality with visible gain.
To be humble in spirit with the lowly may appear socially unimpressive, yet it is better because humility aligns with truth and with God’s favor. The lowly are not necessarily weak in character; often they are simply not lifted by worldly power or pride.
To divide the spoil with the proud suggests sharing in gain produced by arrogance and conquest. Even if the reward looks attractive, the moral company and spiritual posture make it a loss. Proverbs keeps teaching that fellowship with pride is never a wise bargain.
Proverbs 16:19
19 It is better to be humble in spirit with the lowly
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Proverbs 16:19 meaning
The value judgment expressed in Proverbs 16:19 shows that: It is better to be humble in spirit with the lowly than to divide the spoil with the proud (v. 19). Solomon again contrasts moral quality with visible gain.
To be humble in spirit with the lowly may appear socially unimpressive, yet it is better because humility aligns with truth and with God’s favor. The lowly are not necessarily weak in character; often they are simply not lifted by worldly power or pride.
To divide the spoil with the proud suggests sharing in gain produced by arrogance and conquest. Even if the reward looks attractive, the moral company and spiritual posture make it a loss. Proverbs keeps teaching that fellowship with pride is never a wise bargain.