Proverbs 16:19

19 It is better to humble your spirit with the lowly than to divide the spoil with the proud.

Proverbs 16:19 Meaning and Commentary

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 righteousness, and submit to the righteousness of the Son of God, and wholly trust in him for salvation; and ascribe all they have and are to the free grace of God; humble themselves under the mighty hand of God; are resigned to his will, and patiently bear all afflictions without murmuring, and think better of others than themselves: these are not in so much danger of falling as the proud and haughty, and are more grateful to men, and acceptable to God; with these he vouchsafes to dwell; to these he gives more grace, and they shall inherit the earth. Wherefore it is better to be of such a spirit, and be ranked among and keep company with the meek and lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud;
the spoils of the poor with proud oppressors; or spoils gotten in war with proud and ambitious princes; or the spoils of kingdoms and states with antichrist, divided by him among his proud followers: it is better to be the followers of Christ, and have but little, than to be his, and have ever so much.

Proverbs 16:19 In-Context

17 The highway of the upright is to separate himself from evil; he that keeps his way preserves his soul.

18 Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.

19 It is better to humble your spirit with the lowly than to divide the spoil with the proud.

20 He who has understanding in the word shall find good, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.

21 The wise in heart is called a man of understanding; and the sweetness of the lips shall increase doctrine.