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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comKeil and Delitzsch Commentary - Proverbs 16:19 - 16:19
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19 Better in humility to dwell among sufferers,
Than to divide spoil among the proud.
The form שְׁפַל is here not adj. as Pro 29:23 (from שָׁפֵל, like חֲסַר, Pro 6:32, from חָסֵר), but inf. (like Ecc 12:14, and חֲסַר, defectio, 10:21). There existed here also no proper reason for changing עֲנִיִּים (Chethı̂b) into עֲנָוִים; Hitzig is right in saying that עני may also be taken in the sense of ענו [the idea “sufferer” is that which mediates], and that here the inward fact of humility and the outward of dividing spoil, stand opposed to one another. It is better to live lowly, i.e., with a mind devoid of earthly pride (Demut [humility] comes from dëo with the deep e, diu, servant), among men who have experience of the vanity of earthly joys, than, intoxicated with pride, to enjoy oneself amid worldly wealth and greatness (cf. Isa 9:2).