Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.

PROVERBS 16:19KJV
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Proverbs 16:19 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 16:19 mean?

Proverbs 16:19 says it is better to have a humble attitude and be among people who are considered lowly or humble, than to share in the rewards or riches gained by those who are proud. The verse values humility and simple company over pride and material gain.

This proverb is part of a collection of wise sayings, traditionally attributed to Solomon, meant to teach practical wisdom to everyday people. The verse draws a sharp contrast between two groups: those who are humble and those who are proud, suggesting that true worth is found in humility, even if it means having less in worldly terms.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 16:19

  • "Humble" (שְׁפַל־šep̄al): This word means lowly or humble, not just in social status but in spirit and attitude. It highlights that the verse is about a mindset, not just outward circumstances.
  • "Spirit" (רוּחַ–rûaḥ): This word can mean breath, wind, or spirit, and here points to a person's inner attitude or disposition. The focus is on being humble in one's inner life, not just in actions.
  • "Lowly" (עָנָו–ʿānāw, עָנִי–ʿānî): Both words refer to people who are humble or afflicted, often those who are overlooked or oppressed. The verse values being with such people over joining the proud.
  • "Proud" (גֵּאֶה–gē’eh): This word describes those who are arrogant or think highly of themselves. The verse warns that sharing in their "spoil" or rewards is not as valuable as humility.

Why Proverbs 16:19 matters

  • Proverbs 16:19 challenges the common idea that success or wealth is always a sign of blessing or something to be pursued, showing that character matters more than riches.
  • The verse clarifies that humility is not just about outward poverty but about a person's spirit and attitude, making it a matter of the heart.
  • In the larger context of Proverbs, this verse fits with the repeated warning against pride and the high value placed on humility, helping readers see which qualities are truly wise and lasting.

Where else these words appear

“proud” Hebrew H1343 · used in 9 verses

  • Job 40:11 Cast abroad the rage of thy wrath: and behold every one that is proud, and abase him.
  • Psalms 94:2 Lift up thyself, thou judge of the earth: render a reward to the proud.
  • Proverbs 15:25 The LORD will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow.

“humble” Hebrew H8217 · used in 18 verses

  • Leviticus 13:20 And if, when the priest seeth it, behold, it be in sight lower than the skin, and the hair thereof be turned white; the priest shall pronounce him unclean: it is a plague of leprosy broken out of the boil.
  • Job 5:11 To set up on high those that be low; that those which mourn may be exalted to safety.
  • Ezekiel 17:14 That the kingdom might be base, that it might not lift itself up, but that by keeping of his covenant it might stand.

“lowly” Hebrew H6035 · used in 24 verses

  • Numbers 12:3 (Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.)
  • Psalms 25:9 The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.
  • Proverbs 14:21 He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.

“divide” Hebrew H2505 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 14:15 And he divided himself against them, he and his servants, by night, and smote them, and pursued them unto Hobah, which is on the left hand of Damascus.
  • 1 Kings 18:6 So they divided the land between them to pass throughout it: Ahab went one way by himself, and Obadiah went another way by himself.
  • Proverbs 2:16 To deliver thee from the strange woman, even from the stranger which flattereth with her words;