In the book of Proverbs Solomon said, “A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised”, and in chapter twelve and verse nine of Proverbs Solomon said, “he that is despised … is better than he that honors himself” where we read,
He that is despised, and has a servant, is better than he that honors himself, and lacks bread.
The verse begins, “He that is despised, and has a servant, ...” Solomon began with the words, “He that is despised” or “the person whether male or female who exists as disgraced, dishonored, lightly esteemed and treated with contempt”,“and has a servant” which means “and holds, owns and possessed a bondman, man of servile condition or slave”. Solomon presented the idea of a person who is treated with contempt by others but possesses a bondman or person of servile condition.
The verse continues, “... is better than he that honors himself, and lacks bread.” Solomon added the words, “is better than he” or “exists in an exceedingly good, pleasant, agreeable and excellent manner compared to the person whether male or female” “that honors himself” which means “who gets glory and praise from their own self”, “and lacks bread” or “and is in need and want of grain or food”. Solomon said the person who is dishonored and yet has a bondman exists in a better condition than the person who gives glory and praise to themselves but do not have any food.
When we think through the words in this verse, we learn through Solomon how dishonor from others with the resources to sustain life is a lot better condition than bragging upon oneself and not having any sustenance with which to live. God wants us to be honored by Him, and when we receive His Son Jesus who died on the cross for our sins as our personal “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and provide all our needs according to His riches in glory. (See Philippians 4:19)
Next time Solomon says, “a righteous man regards the life of his beast”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow…there is more…
See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".
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