King James Version
Proverbs 12:9 in the King James Version says “He that is despised, and hath a servant, is better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread.” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“He that is despised, and hath a servant, is better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread.”
Proverbs 12:9 · KJV
The wicked are overthrown, and are not: but the house of the righteous shall stand.
A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised. of a: Heb. perverse of heart
He that is despised, and hath a servant, is better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread.
A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel. tender: or, bowels
He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“is better”
H2896good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
“He that is despised”
H7034to be light (as implied in rapid motion), but figuratively, only (be [causatively, hold] in contempt)
“than he that honoureth”
H3513to be heavy, i.e., in a bad sense (burdensome, severe, dull) or in a good sense (numerous, rich, honorable); causatively, to make weighty (in the same
This verse is found in the book of Proverbs. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Proverbs 12:9 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Proverbs 12:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge