Proverbs 16:19
Proverbs 16:19 in Multiple Translations
It is better to be lowly in spirit among the humble than to divide the spoil with the proud.
Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.
Better it is to be of a lowly spirit with the poor, Than to divide the spoil with the proud.
Better it is to have a gentle spirit with the poor, than to take part in the rewards of war with men of pride.
Better to have a humble spirit and live with the poor than to share plunder with the proud.
Better it is to be of humble minde with the lowly, then to deuide the spoyles with the proude.
Better is humility of spirit with the poor, Than to apportion spoil with the proud.
It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor, than to divide the plunder with the proud.
Better it is to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.
It is better to be humbled with the meek, than to divide spoils with the proud.
It is better to be humble and poor than to associate with proud people and to become rich by dividing with them ◄plunder/goods captured in a battle►.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 16:19
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 16:19 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
ט֣וֹב
שְׁפַל
ר֭וּחַ
אֶת
עניים
עֲנָוִ֑ים
מֵֽ/חַלֵּ֥ק
שָׁ֝לָ֗ל
אֶת
גֵּאִֽים
ט֣וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Adj
שְׁפַל
shâphâl
H8217
low
V-Qal-Inf-a
ר֭וּחַ
rûwach
H7307
spirit
N-cs
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep
עניים
ʻânîy
H6041
afflicted
Adj
עֲנָוִ֑ים
ʻânâv
H6035
poor
Adj
מֵֽ/חַלֵּ֥ק
châlaq
H2505
to divide
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
שָׁ֝לָ֗ל
shâlâl
H7998
spoil
N-ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep
גֵּאִֽים
gêʼeh
H1343
proud
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 16:19
ט֣וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
שְׁפַל
shâphâl
H8217
"low"
V-Qal-Inf-a
This word means to be low or humble, either in physical height or in social status, often used to describe someone's character or condition. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament, such as in Psalms and Proverbs. It signifies a lack of pride or arrogance.
Definition: 1) low, humble 1a) low (in height) 1b) low (in station), humble (of condition or spirit) 1c) humiliated 1d) lowly (as subst)
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: base(-st), humble, low(-er, -ly). See also: Leviticus 13:20; Ecclesiastes 12:4; Psalms 138:6.
ר֭וּחַ
rûwach
H7307
"spirit"
N-cs
In the Bible, this word for spirit refers to the breath of life, the wind, or a person's mind and emotions, as seen in the book of Ezekiel.
Definition: : spirit 1) wind, breath, mind, spirit 1a) breath 1b) wind 1b1) of heaven 1b2) quarter (of wind), side 1b3) breath of air 1b4) air, gas 1b5) vain, empty thing 1c) spirit (as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation) 1c1) spirit, animation, vivacity, vigour 1c2) courage 1c3) temper, anger 1c4) impatience, patience 1c5) spirit, disposition (as troubled, bitter, discontented) 1c6) disposition (of various kinds), unaccountable or uncontrollable impulse 1c7) prophetic spirit 1d) spirit (of the living, breathing being in man and animals) 1d1) as gift, preserved by God, God's spirit, departing at death, disembodied being 1e) spirit (as seat of emotion) 1e1) desire 1e2) sorrow, trouble 1f) spirit 1f1) as seat or organ of mental acts 1f2) rarely of the will 1f3) as seat especially of moral character 1g) Spirit of God, the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son 1g1) as inspiring ecstatic state of prophecy 1g2) as impelling prophet to utter instruction or warning 1g3) imparting warlike energy and executive and administrative power 1g4) as endowing men with various gifts 1g5) as energy of life 1g6) as manifest in the Shekinah glory 1g7) never referred to as a depersonalised force
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: air, anger, blast, breath, [idiom] cool, courage, mind, [idiom] quarter, [idiom] side, spirit(-ual), tempest, [idiom] vain, (whirl-) wind(-y). See also: Genesis 1:2; Job 6:26; Psalms 1:4.
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
עניים
ʻânîy
H6041
"afflicted"
Adj
This word describes someone who is depressed, humble, or weak, often due to difficult circumstances, as described in the Psalms and other biblical books.
Definition: 1) poor, afflicted, humble, wretched 1a) poor, needy 1b) poor and weak 1c) poor, weak, afflicted, wretched 1d) humble, lowly
Usage: Occurs in 77 OT verses. KJV: afflicted, humble, lowly, needy, poor. See also: Exodus 22:24; Psalms 88:16; Psalms 9:13.
עֲנָוִ֑ים
ʻânâv
H6035
"poor"
Adj
To be poor or humble, often describing someone who is meek or weak. In the Bible, it can also mean to be afflicted or lowly, as seen in Matthew 5:5.
Definition: 1) poor, humble, afflicted, meek 1a) poor, needy 1b) poor and weak 1c) poor, weak and afflicted 1d) humble, lowly, meek
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: humble, lowly, meek, poor. Compare H6041 (עָנִי). See also: Numbers 12:3; Psalms 147:6; Psalms 9:13.
מֵֽ/חַלֵּ֥ק
châlaq
H2505
"to divide"
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
To smooth means to make something slippery or deceitful, like in Proverbs where it warns against flattery. It can also mean to divide or separate something, like an inheritance.
Definition: 1) to divide, share, plunder, allot, apportion, assign 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to divide, apportion 1a2) to assign, distribute 1a3) to assign, impart 1a4) to share 1a5) to divide up, plunder 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to divide oneself 1b2) to be divided 1b3) to assign, distribute 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to divide, apportion 1c2) to assign, distribute 1c3) to scatter 1d) (Pual) to be divided 1e) (Hiphil) to receive a portion or part 1f) (Hithpael) to divide among themselves
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: deal, distribute, divide, flatter, give, (have, im-) part(-ner), take away a portion, receive, separate self, (be) smooth(-er). See also: Genesis 14:15; Job 27:17; Psalms 5:10.
שָׁ֝לָ֗ל
shâlâl
H7998
"spoil"
N-ms
Shâlâl refers to the spoils of war, or the booty taken from enemies. It is used in the Bible to describe the plunder or prey taken in battle. In the KJV, it is translated as 'prey' or 'spoil'.
Definition: 1) prey, plunder, spoil, booty 1a) prey 1b) booty, spoil, plunder (of war) 1c) plunder (private) 1d) gain (meaning uncertain)
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: prey, spoil. See also: Genesis 49:27; 2 Chronicles 15:11; Psalms 68:13.
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
גֵּאִֽים
gêʼeh
H1343
"proud"
Adj
Proud or arrogant, describing someone with a lofty attitude, like the proud people in Proverbs. It is used to describe those who think too highly of themselves.
Definition: proud
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: proud. See also: Job 40:11; Proverbs 15:25; Psalms 94:2.
Study Notes — Proverbs 16:19
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 16:19 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 16:19
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 16:19
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 16:19
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 16:19
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 16:19
- Sermons on Proverbs 16:19
Context — The Reply of the Tongue Is from the LORD
17The highway of the upright leads away from evil; he who guards his way protects his life.
18Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.
19It is better to be lowly in spirit among the humble than to divide the spoil with the proud.
20Whoever heeds instruction will find success, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD. 21The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant speech promotes instruction.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew 5:3 | “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. |
| 2 | Isaiah 57:15 | For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in a high and holy place, and with the oppressed and humble in spirit, to restore the spirit of the lowly and revive the heart of the contrite. |
| 3 | Psalms 138:6 | Though the LORD is on high, He attends to the lowly; but the proud He knows from afar. |
| 4 | Psalms 34:18 | The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit. |
| 5 | Exodus 15:9 | The enemy declared, ‘I will pursue, I will overtake. I will divide the spoils; I will gorge myself on them. I will draw my sword; my hand will destroy them.’ |
| 6 | Isaiah 10:13–15 | For he says: ‘By the strength of my hand I have done this, and by my wisdom, for I am clever. I have removed the boundaries of nations and plundered their treasures; like a mighty one I subdued their rulers. My hand reached as into a nest to seize the wealth of the nations. Like one gathering abandoned eggs, I gathered all the earth. No wing fluttered, no beak opened or chirped.’” Does an axe raise itself above the one who swings it? Does a saw boast over him who saws with it? It would be like a rod waving the one who lifts it, or a staff lifting him who is not wood! |
| 7 | Isaiah 10:6 | I will send him against a godless nation; I will dispatch him against a people destined for My rage, to take spoils and seize plunder, and to trample them down like clay in the streets. |
| 8 | Proverbs 29:23 | A man’s pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor. |
| 9 | Isaiah 53:12 | Therefore I will allot Him a portion with the great, and He will divide the spoils with the strong, because He has poured out His life unto death, and He was numbered with the transgressors. Yet He bore the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors. |
| 10 | Luke 1:51–53 | He has performed mighty deeds with His arm; He has scattered those who are proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones, but has exalted the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things, but has sent the rich away empty. |
Proverbs 16:19 Summary
This verse is saying that it's better to be humble and surround ourselves with people who are humble, than to be proud and try to get rich or powerful with people who are proud. Being humble means recognizing that we need God and can't do everything on our own, as seen in Psalm 37:7 and Jeremiah 9:23-24. When we choose to be humble, we open ourselves up to God's blessing and guidance, and we are more likely to make wise decisions and live a life that honors Him. By choosing humility, we can experience the joy and peace that comes from trusting in God, rather than relying on our own strength and pride.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be lowly in spirit?
To be lowly in spirit means to have a humble heart, recognizing our limitations and dependence on God, as seen in Matthew 5:3 and Psalm 51:17, which emphasize the importance of humility before God.
Why is it better to be among the humble than to divide spoil with the proud?
Being among the humble allows us to cultivate a spirit of humility and dependence on God, whereas dividing spoil with the proud can lead to pride and separation from God, as warned in Proverbs 16:18 and 1 Peter 5:5.
How can we apply this verse in our daily lives?
We can apply this verse by choosing to surround ourselves with people who promote humility and godliness, rather than those who promote pride and self-reliance, as encouraged in Proverbs 27:17 and 2 Corinthians 6:14.
Is being lowly in spirit a sign of weakness?
No, being lowly in spirit is actually a sign of strength, as it requires us to surrender our pride and self-reliance, and trust in God's power and wisdom, as seen in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 and Psalm 34:18.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I struggle with pride, and how can I cultivate humility in those areas?
- How can I surround myself with people who promote humility and godliness, and avoid those who promote pride and self-reliance?
- What are some practical ways I can demonstrate humility in my daily interactions with others, such as in my words and actions?
- How can I balance the desire for recognition and accomplishment with the need for humility and dependence on God?
- What does it mean for me to 'divide the spoil with the proud', and how can I avoid this in my own life?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 16:19
Better [it is to be] of an humble spirit with the lowly,.... The followers of the meek and lowly Jesus, whose spirits are humbled under a sense of sin; have mean thoughts of themselves and their own
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 16:19
Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud. Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly (Proverbs 29:23; Isaiah 57:15), than to divide the spoil with the proud.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 16:19
Who will spoil and rob others to maintain their own pomp and luxury.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 16:19
Proverbs 16:19 Better [it is to be] of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.Ver. 19. Better it is to be of a humble spirit.] A humble man is worth his weight in gold; he hath far more comfort in his losses than proud giants have in their rapines and robberies. Truth it is, that meekness of spirit commonly draws on injuries. A crow will pull wool from a sheep’ s side; she durst not do so to a wolf or mastiff. Howbeit, it is much better to suffer wrong than to do it; to be patient than to be insolent; to be lowly in heart and low of port than to enjoy "the pleasures," or treasures, "of sin for a season."
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 16:19
19. the lowly] Rather, poor, R.V. Better humble and poor than proud and rich.
Sermons on Proverbs 16:19
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Building Through Discipleship (Tamil) by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of God's presence in our lives, drawing parallels from the story of Moses confronting the powerful empire of his time. It highlights the need |
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New Covenant Truths - the Inner Life - Part 4 by Zac Poonen | This sermon delves into the comparison between the Nine Beatitudes and the Ten Commandments, emphasizing the importance of being 'poor in spirit' as the gateway to the Kingdom of H |
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The Key to Blessing by Joshua Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the importance of humility and a broken spirit as key elements to receiving God's blessings. It discusses the dangers of arrogance and pride, highlighting th |
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It's My Pleasure! by John Piper | John Piper preaches about Christian Hedonism, emphasizing the pursuit of joy as a proper motive for all actions, including worship and obedience to God. He connects joy in God to h |
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The Crook in the Lot - Part 2 by Thomas Boston | Thomas Boston preaches about the importance of humbling ourselves under the mighty hand of God, emphasizing the need to submit to God's providence and accept our circumstances with |
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Mr. H. G. Wells and the Giants by Gilbert K. Chesterton | Gilbert K. Chesterton preaches about the importance of humility, sincerity, and the true nature of heroism. He emphasizes the need to see beyond appearances and recognize the virtu |
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Be Still by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being still and knowing that God is in control. He encourages the audience to develop a deep and loving relationship with |