Scripture · Old Testament

Proverbs 12:9

Proverbs 12:9 is verse 9 of Proverbs chapter 12, shown here in the Berean Standard Bible.

Berean Standard Bible

Better to be lightly esteemed yet have a servant, than to be self-important but lack food.

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

Better is he who is little known, and has a servant, than he who honors himself and lacks bread.

Proverbs 12:7–11 · Berean Standard Bible

7 The wicked are overthrown and perish, but the house of the righteous will stand.

8 A man is praised according to his wisdom, but a twisted mind is despised.

9 Better to be lightly esteemed yet have a servant, than to be self-important but lack food.

10 A righteous man regards the life of his animal, but the tender mercies of the wicked are only cruelty.

11 The one who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies lacks judgment.

Data created by STEPBible.org based on work at Tyndale House Cambridge (CC BY 4.0).

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge lists these related verses. Scripture text comes from the Berean Standard Bible.

Proverbs 13:7
One pretends to be rich, but has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.

Luke 14:11
For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”