Proverbs 19:10

10 It is not fitting for a fool to live in luxury— how much worse for a slave to rule over princes!

Proverbs 19:10 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
10 Delight is not seemly for a fool; much less for a servant to have rule over princes.
English Standard Version (ESV)
10 It is not fitting for a fool to live in luxury, much less for a slave to rule over princes.
New Living Translation (NLT)
10 It isn’t right for a fool to live in luxury or for a slave to rule over princes!
The Message Bible (MSG)
10 Blockheads shouldn't live on easy street any more than workers should give orders to their boss.
American Standard Version (ASV)
10 Delicate living is not seemly for a fool; Much less for a servant to have rule over princes.
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
10 Luxury does not fit a fool, much less a slave ruling princes.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
10 Luxury is not appropriate for a fool- how much less for a slave to rule over princes!
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
10 It isn't proper for a foolish person to live in great comfort. And it is much worse when a slave rules over princes!

Proverbs 19:10 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 19:10

Delight is not seemly for a fool
Such an one as Nabal, whose name and nature were alike; and whose prosperity ill became him, and the mirth and delight he had in it, ( 1 Samuel 25:25 1 Samuel 25:36 ) ; for, as the wise man elsewhere says, "the prosperity of fools shall destroy them", ( Proverbs 1:26 ) ; they do not know how to make a right use of their prosperity; nor to moderate their enjoyments, pleasures, and delights. Some understand this of spiritual delight in the Lord; in his ways and ordinances, which wicked men are strangers to: and a very uncomely thing it is for such persons to talk of spiritual joy and delight, and of their communion with God, when they live in sin; much less for a servant to have rule over princes;
this was a sight which Solomon had seen, but was very disagreeable to him; and was one of the four things the earth cannot bear; the insolence of a servant, when he becomes master over his superiors, is intolerable; see ( Proverbs 30:22 ) ( Ecclesiastes 10:7 ) . It may be spiritually applied to such who are servants of sin; to whose sensual appetites and carnal affections the more noble and princely powers of the soul, the understanding and mind, become subject; which is very improper and unseemly.

Proverbs 19:10 In-Context

8 The one who gets wisdom loves life; the one who cherishes understanding will soon prosper.
9 A false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever pours out lies will perish.
10 It is not fitting for a fool to live in luxury— how much worse for a slave to rule over princes!
11 A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.
12 A king’s rage is like the roar of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass.

Cross References 2

  • 1. Proverbs 26:1
  • 2. Proverbs 30:21-23; Ecclesiastes 10:5-7
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