Proverbs 16:19 Meaning and Explanation
“Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Humble association with the poor is preferable to sharing plunder with the arrogant.
The Context of Proverbs 16:19
The proverb offers a choice between two kinds of relationship, again valuing humility.
What Does Proverbs 16:19 Mean?
'To be of an humble spirit with the lowly'—to maintain a posture of humility and to exist in community with those of low status or means. This is contrasted with 'to divide the spoil with the proud.' 'Divide the spoil' suggests sharing ill-gotten gains, the products of conquest or plunder, with arrogant people. The choice is between humble poverty and humble association, versus proud wealth.
The proverb values the humble path even when it comes with less material gain. 'Better it is' again establishes hierarchy: the internal posture of humility and the relational quality of sharing with the lowly is worth more than the material benefit of sharing spoils with proud, arrogant people. Arrogant companions corrupt the gain itself; humble companions ennoble even poverty.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 16:19
What does Proverbs 16:19 mean?
Humble association with the poor is preferable to sharing plunder with the arrogant.
What is the context of Proverbs 16:19?
The proverb offers a choice between two kinds of relationship, again valuing humility.