Proverbs 12:9

What does Proverbs 12:9 mean?

A plain-English look at Proverbs 12:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Better is he that is lightly esteemed, and hath a servant, Than he that honoreth himself, and lacketh bread.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

He that is despised, and hath a servant, is better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Better is he that is lightly esteemed, and hath a servant, Than he that honoreth himself, and lacketh bread.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

He who is of low position and has a servant, is better than one who has a high opinion of himself and is in need of bread.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Better <FI>is<Fi> the lightly esteemed who hath a servant, Than the self-honoured who lacketh bread.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Better is the poor man that provideth for himself, than he that is glorious and wanteth bread.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Better is he that is lightly esteemed, and hath a servant, than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread.

Context

v.8A man shall be commended according to his wisdom; But he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised.

v.9This passage

v.10A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast; But the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Proverbs 13:7

    There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: There is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great wealth.

  • Luke 14:11

    For every one that exalteth himself shall be humbled; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

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Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Proverbs 12:9.