SEV Biblia, Chapter 12:9
¶ Mejor es el que se menosprecie y se hace siervo, que el que se precia, y carece de pan.
Clarke's Bible Commentary - Proverbs 12:9
Verse 9. He that is despised, and hath a servant ] I believe the Vulgate gives the true sense of this verse: Melior est pauper, et sufficiens sibi; quam gloriosus, et indigens pane. "Better is the poor man who provides for himself, than the proud who is destitute of bread." The versions in general agree in this sense. This needs no comment. There are some who, through pride of birth, &c., would rather starve, than put their hands to menial labour. Though they may be lords, how much to be preferred is the simple peasant, who supports himself and family by the drudgery of life!
John Gill's Bible Commentary
Ver. 9. [He that is] despised, and hath a servant , etc.] Meaning not the same person as before, but one in mean circumstances of life; and because he has not that substance as others have, at least does not make that show and figure in the world as some; and mean in his own eyes, as Jarchi; and does not affect grandeur, and to look greater than he is; has just sufficiency to keep a servant to wait upon him; or, as some render it, is “a servant to himself” f328 ; to this purpose the Septuagint; and so Jarchi and Gersom interpret it, who does his own work at home and abroad, in the house and in the field, and so gets himself a competent living. He [is] better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread ; that boasts of his pedigree, and brags of his wealth; dresses out in fine clothes, keeps a fine equipage, makes a great figure abroad, and has scarce bread to eat at home, and would have none if his debts were paid; the former is much the better man on all accounts, and more to be commended; (see Proverbs 13:7). And so, as Cocceius observes, the least shepherd (under Christ) that has ever so few sheep, one or two under his care, whom he brings to righteousness, and by whom he is loved, is preferable to the pope of Rome, who is adored by all; and yet neither has nor gives the bread of souls; and without the offerings of others has not anything to eat.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 9 - He that lives in a humble state, who has no one to wait upon him, but gets bread by his own labour, is happier than he that glories in hig birth or gay attire, and wants necessaries.
Original Hebrew
טוב 2896 נקלה 7034 ועבד 5650 לו ממתכבד 3513 וחסר 2638 לחם׃ 3899
