One despised, one lacks bread

One despised, one lacks bread

Scripture:- He that is despised, and hath a servant, is better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread Proverbs 12:9

Observation:- The author compares 2 men. One is despised, and has a servant. The other honors himself but lacks bread. The first question that comes to mind is why is the first man despised? Is he despised because he is rich and has not treated his workers fairly? Is he despised because he is of a certain race or a certain culture? Is he despised because he does not flaunt his wealth although he has the means to do so?

An image comes to mind. A rich man with great wealth who lives simply, drives a small car, eats simple food and stays in a simple house. Others with big cars and flashy clothes may look down on him, but he has his own servant, and he is content with the way he lives his life. On the other hand, there is another man who honors himself, buys a big car and house he cannot afford, and wears expensive clothes so that others will look up to him. However, in reality, he is in deep debt, and he is more concerned with his image than his basic needs. 

Basically, it is better to keep a low profile and have enough quietly rather than to look rich but not really have enough to feed one’s self. In today’s world, with young people so fixated on the latest cars, handphones, LCD TVs and Hi-Fi’s, many run into deep debt with credit cards maxed out. But those who are rich yet live simple lives should be admired rather than despised. All in, we may not be that rich, but we can still live simple lives and not spend more than we should just to look glamorous. Instead, we should be content with our basic needs, and be happy.

As we ponder this scripture, I believe there is also a prophetic meaning behind it. When Jesus walked the earth, He was despised by the Pharisees and teachers of the law, but He had a very powerful servant, the Holy Spirit. The ministry of the Holy Spirit is very closely correlated with the servant of Abraham going to seek a bride for his son Isaac. Likewise, the Holy Spirit goes out to seek the church as the bride for God’s son Jesus Christ.

Also, Jesus did not gain or pursue earthly riches, but lived simply, without even a permanent place to lay His head. On the other hand, the Pharisees had enriched themselves and lorded having the place of honor at feasts and having men praise them. Yet they lacked the true bread, the true Word of God in their lives. As a result, they were like whitewashed tombs, looking good on the outside, but dead within.

Application: We should learn to be humble and keep low profile and content with basic things in life and avoid trying to impress others by our fame or possessions.

Prayer: Lord, help me be humble and content like You were, and help me turn away from the temptations and desires of the world. In Jesus name, Amen.