Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Better to be lowly in spirit along with the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud. New Living Translation Better to live humbly with the poor than to share plunder with the proud. English Standard Version It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor than to divide the spoil with the proud. Berean Standard Bible It is better to be lowly in spirit among the humble than to divide the spoil with the proud. King James Bible Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud. New King James Version Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, Than to divide the spoil with the proud. New American Standard Bible It is better to be humble in spirit with the needy Than to divide the spoils with the proud. NASB 1995 It is better to be humble in spirit with the lowly Than to divide the spoil with the proud. NASB 1977 It is better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, Than to divide the spoil with the proud. Legacy Standard Bible It is better to be humble in spirit with the lowly Than to divide the spoil with the proud. Amplified Bible It is better to be humble in spirit with the lowly Than to divide the spoil with the proud (haughty, arrogant). Christian Standard Bible Better to be lowly of spirit with the humble than to divide plunder with the proud. Holman Christian Standard Bible Better to be lowly of spirit with the humble than to divide plunder with the proud. American Standard Version Better it is to be of a lowly spirit with the poor, Than to divide the spoil with the proud. Contemporary English Version You are better off to be humble and poor than to get rich from what you take by force. English Revised Version Better it is to be of a lowly spirit with the poor, than to divide the spoil with the proud. GOD'S WORD® Translation Better to be humble with lowly people than to share stolen goods with arrogant people. Good News Translation It is better to be humble and stay poor than to be one of the arrogant and get a share of their loot. International Standard Version Better to be humble among the poor, than to share what is stolen with the proud. Majority Standard Bible It is better to be lowly in spirit among the humble than to divide the spoil with the proud. NET Bible It is better to be lowly in spirit with the afflicted than to share the spoils with the proud. New Heart English Bible It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor, than to divide the plunder with the proud. Webster's Bible Translation Better it is to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud. World English Bible It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor, than to divide the plunder with the proud. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionBetter is humility of spirit with the poor, "" Than to apportion spoil with the proud. Young's Literal Translation Better is humility of spirit with the poor, Than to apportion spoil with the proud. Smith's Literal Translation Good the cast down of spirit with the humble more than to divide the spoil with the proud. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleIt is better to be humbled with the meek, than to divide spoils with the proud. Catholic Public Domain Version It is better to be humbled with the meek, than to divide spoils with the arrogant. New American Bible It is better to be humble with the poor than to share plunder with the proud. New Revised Standard Version It is better to be of a lowly spirit among the poor than to divide the spoil with the proud. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleIt is better to be humble and lowly in pride than he who divides spoil with the mighty. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated The humble spirit and humble eyes are better than he that divides loot with the mighty. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Better it is to be of a lowly spirit with the humble, Than to divide the spoil with the proud. Brenton Septuagint Translation Better is a meek-spirited man with lowliness, than one who divides spoils with the proud. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Reply of the Tongue is from the LORD…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.… Cross References James 4:6 But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Matthew 5:3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 1 Peter 5:5 Young men, in the same way, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Luke 14:11 For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” Philippians 2:3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. 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. Matthew 23:12 For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. Psalm 138:6 Though the LORD is on high, He attends to the lowly; but the proud He knows from afar. Isaiah 66:2 Has not My hand made all these things? And so they came into being,” declares the LORD. “This is the one I will esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, who trembles at My word. Micah 6:8 He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? Romans 12:16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but associate with the lowly. Do not be conceited. Zephaniah 2:3 Seek the LORD, all you humble of the earth who carry out His justice. Seek righteousness; seek humility. Perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the LORD’s anger. 1 Corinthians 1:28-29 He chose the lowly and despised things of the world, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are, / so that no one may boast in His presence. Isaiah 2:11-12 The proud look of man will be humbled, and the loftiness of men brought low; the LORD alone will be exalted in that day. / For the Day of the LORD of Hosts will come against all the proud and lofty, against all that is exalted—it will be humbled— Proverbs 11:2 When pride comes, disgrace follows, but with humility comes wisdom. Treasury of Scripture Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud. to be Psalm 34:18 The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. Psalm 138:6 Though the LORD be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off. Isaiah 57:15 For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. than Exodus 15:9 The enemy said, I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil; my lust shall be satisfied upon them; I will draw my sword, my hand shall destroy them. Isaiah 9:3 Thou hast multiplied the nation, and not increased the joy: they joy before thee according to the joy in harvest, and as men rejoice when they divide the spoil. Isaiah 10:6,13-15 I will send him against an hypocritical nation, and against the people of my wrath will I give him a charge, to take the spoil, and to take the prey, and to tread them down like the mire of the streets… Jump to Previous Apportion Better Divide Gentle Humble Humility Lowly Meek Oppressed Part Plunder Poor Pride Proud Rewards Share Spirit Spoil WarJump to Next Apportion Better Divide Gentle Humble Humility Lowly Meek Oppressed Part Plunder Poor Pride Proud Rewards Share Spirit Spoil WarProverbs 16 1. The Plans of the heartIt is better to be lowly in spirit among the humble This phrase emphasizes the value of humility, a recurring theme in biblical wisdom literature. The "lowly in spirit" refers to those who are humble and modest, recognizing their dependence on God rather than their own strength or achievements. This aligns with Jesus' teaching in the Beatitudes, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:3). The cultural context of ancient Israel valued humility as a virtue, contrasting with the pride often seen in surrounding nations. The Hebrew word for "humble" can also imply being afflicted or oppressed, suggesting that true humility often comes through trials and suffering. This phrase encourages believers to seek community with those who are humble, as it fosters spiritual growth and aligns with God's values. than to divide the spoil with the proud Persons / Places / Events 1. The Lowly in SpiritThis refers to individuals who possess humility and recognize their dependence on God. In the Hebrew context, "lowly" ('anav) often denotes those who are humble and meek. 2. The Humble These are people who live modestly and do not seek to elevate themselves above others. They are often contrasted with the proud in biblical literature. 3. The Proud This group includes those who are arrogant and self-reliant, often seeking their own gain at the expense of others. The Hebrew word for proud (ge'eh) implies a sense of self-exaltation. 4. Dividing the Spoil This phrase suggests the act of sharing the gains or rewards, often associated with victory or conquest. In a biblical sense, it can imply ill-gotten gains or rewards obtained through prideful means. 5. The Context of Proverbs Proverbs is a book of wisdom literature in the Old Testament, traditionally attributed to King Solomon. It provides practical guidance for living a life that honors God. Teaching Points The Value of HumilityHumility is a virtue that aligns us with God's will and opens us to His grace. It is better to be humble and lowly in spirit than to seek prideful gains. The Danger of Pride Pride leads to self-reliance and separation from God. It is often associated with temporary gains that do not lead to true fulfillment or peace. Choosing Companions Wisely Associating with the humble rather than the proud can lead to a more fulfilling and spiritually enriching life. Our companions can influence our character and spiritual journey. Eternal vs. Temporal Rewards The rewards of humility are eternal, while the spoils of pride are temporary. We should focus on treasures in heaven rather than earthly gains. Living a Life of Service Embracing humility involves serving others and putting their needs above our own, following the example of Christ.Verse 19. - This verse is connected in thought, as well as verbally, with the preceding. Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly. The Revised Version has, with the poor; but "meek" or "lowly" better contrasts with "proud" of the second clause. Psalm 84:10, "I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness." Than to divide the spoil with the proud. To share in the fruits of the operations and pursuits of the proud, and to enjoy their pleasures, a man must cast in his lot with them, uudergo their risks and anxieties, and participate in the crimes by which they gain their wealth. The result of such association was told in ver. 18. The Germans express the connection between abundance and folly by the terse apothegm, "Voll, toll;" "Full, fool." Septuagint, "Better is the man of gentle mind with humility, than he who divideth spoil with the violent." Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew It is betterט֣וֹב (ṭō·wḇ) Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 2896: Pleasant, agreeable, good to be lowly שְׁפַל־ (šə·p̄al-) Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 8217: Depressed in spirit ר֭וּחַ (rū·aḥ) Noun - common singular Strong's 7307: Wind, breath, exhalation, life, anger, unsubstantiality, a region of the sky, spirit among אֶת־ (’eṯ-) Preposition Strong's 854: Nearness, near, with, by, at, among the humble עֲנָוִ֑ים (‘ă·nā·wîm) Adjective - masculine plural Strong's 6041: Poor, afflicted, humble than to divide מֵֽחַלֵּ֥ק (mê·ḥal·lêq) Preposition-m | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct Strong's 2505: To be smooth, to apportion, separate the spoil שָׁ֝לָ֗ל (lāl) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7998: A prey, spoil, plunder, booty with אֶת־ (’eṯ-) Preposition Strong's 854: Nearness, near, with, by, at, among the proud. גֵּאִֽים׃ (gê·’îm) Adjective - masculine plural Strong's 1343: Lofty, arrogant Links Proverbs 16:19 NIVProverbs 16:19 NLT Proverbs 16:19 ESV Proverbs 16:19 NASB Proverbs 16:19 KJV Proverbs 16:19 BibleApps.com Proverbs 16:19 Biblia Paralela Proverbs 16:19 Chinese Bible Proverbs 16:19 French Bible Proverbs 16:19 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Proverbs 16:19 It is better to be (Prov. 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