The meaning of Proverbs 12:9?

[theleastofthese]

Proverbs 12:9 KJV

He that is despised, and hath a servant, is better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread.

Can anyone elaborate on this for me? I'm quite confused

 

[NickF]

Basically it’s better for people to not think highly of you and for you to be such a diligent businessman that you have a servant, than for you to be someone who puffs himself up and acts like a big deal when they are so poor they can’t buy food.

Don’t worry so much about what other people say about you if you’re working hard to be successful.

 

[MarkH]

LSV 9Better [is] the lightly esteemed who has a servant, || Than the self-honored who lacks bread.

@NickF nailed it.

 

[theleastofthese]

Thank you both! That one went way over my head.

 

[NickF]

No problem