The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 12:9
Consideration or comfort? It is worth remarking that we might obtain a very wholesome truth from the text, if we take the exact reverse of the proverb as worded in our version; for then we reach the wise conclusion— I. THAT SELF - RESPECT , HOWEVER INDIGENT , is better than "being ministered unto" at the cost of reputation. It is better to lack bread, or even life itself, really honoring ourself, than it is to receive any amount of service from others, if we have forfeited... read more
The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 12:9
This verse may be translated, Better is a man who is lightly esteemed and hath a slave, than he that boasts himself and lacketh bread ; i.e. the man who is thought little of by his fellows, and is lowly in his own eyes, if he have a slave to minister to his wants (which all Orientals of even moderate wealth possess), is better off than one who boasts of his rank and family, and is all the while on the verge of starvation. "Respectful mediocrity is better than boastful poverty." ... read more