He that is despised, [a]and is his own servant, is better than he that boasteth himself, and lacketh bread.

10 A righteous man [b]regardeth the life of his beast: but the mercies of the wicked are cruel.

11 (A)He that tilleth his land, shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth the idle, is destitute of [c]understanding.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 12:9 The poor man that is contemned and yet liveth of his own travail.
  2. Proverbs 12:10 Is merciful, even to the very beast that doeth him service.
  3. Proverbs 12:11 Or, defense.

Better to be a nobody and yet have a servant
    than pretend to be somebody and have no food.

10 The righteous care for the needs of their animals,(A)
    but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.

11 Those who work their land will have abundant food,
    but those who chase fantasies have no sense.(B)

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