Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 12:9, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
He that is despised, and hath a servant, is better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread.
American Standard Version
Better is he that is lightly esteemed, and hath a servant, Than he that honoreth himself, and lacketh bread.
World English Bible version
Better is he who is lightly esteemed, and has a servant, than he who honors himself, and lacks bread.
Proverbs 12:9 Meaning & Commentary
Better to be lowly and have a servant than to play the great man and lack bread. Proverbs 12:9 (ESV)
Although this verse was written many years ago, I believe it is more applicable than ever for us in the time we now live in. We live in the social media age, where many people are “playing the great man.”
What does it look like when someone plays the great man? Nowadays, it could be posting on Instagram or social media and “flashing wealth” but not having any actual substance or wealth. People are obsessed with looking rich rather than being rich.
Now, we know that as Christians, we should not be running after wealth and money: 1 Timothy 6:9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.
So, the point is not just to be rich but to be people of substance, rooted and grounded in Christ. The Bible says that it is God who richly gives us all things to enjoy: 1 Timothy 6:17 As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.
If we are to be “lowly,” as Proverbs 12:9 tells us, we should recognize and appreciate that everything we have comes from God. We should enjoy it, appreciate it, and thank God for it. But we should not show it off and should not “lack bread” to have it.
How many people live a lowly life and even struggle to make ends meet, yet prioritize “looking rich”? It’s much better to be firm in our relationship with God and have a servant, which signifies a certain level of wealth and financial success, rather than just looking and acting rich!
Application
How can we apply Proverbs 12:9 to our lives?
If we have been “playing the great man,” it’s time to stop now. This means we are trying to portray a particular image to others, which may not be accurate.
One man coined the phrase, “big hat, no cattle.” This means a farmer can look good with a big fancy hat, but have little substance or wealth. Also, we need to stop comparing ourselves to others. What we see could be very deceiving and can cause us to be discouraged.
Surveys have found that many millionaires are not who we think they are but are usually families in middle-class neighborhoods who drive very modest cars. We see elsewhere in Proverbs that what we see on the outside is not always the truth and the reality: Proverbs 13:7 One pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.
Given these two options, which choice is better? Having money and pretending to be poor or looking poor? Or, pretending to be rich, dressing well, yet having no money? Most people would agree that having money and substance is better. Yet, in trying to look rich, we spend money that otherwise could be used to build wealth and substance.
We must switch our mindset from looking rich to building wealth and being rooted in God. It should be normal for us, as believers to have wealth, treasures, and riches: Proverbs 15:6 In the house of the righteous there is much treasure, but trouble befalls the income of the wicked.
The starting point is being rooted in God and seeking His Kingdom first. If we chase after money as Christians, it will elude us, and we will miss everything: Proverbs 23:5 When your eyes light on it, it is gone, for suddenly it sprouts wings, flying like an eagle toward heaven.
Prayer
Mighty God, help me keep you at the center of my life and financial affairs. Where I may have tried to look good to impress people, please forgive me. Help me to focus my eyes on you.
Lord, please give me Wisdom and understanding to manage my financial affairs well. Please create a generous heart within me so I can be a blessing to others and be rich in good works. I pray and ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen!
