Proverbs 19:10 - Printer Friendly

ESV: It is not fitting for a fool to live in luxury, much less for a slave to rule over princes.

NIV: It is not fitting for a fool to live in luxury— how much worse for a slave to rule over princes!

NASB: Luxury is not fitting for a fool; Much less for a slave to rule over princes.

CSB: Luxury is not appropriate for a fool— how much less for a slave to rule over princes!

NLT: It isn’t right for a fool to live in luxury or for a slave to rule over princes!

KJV: Delight is not seemly for a fool; much less for a servant to have rule over princes.

NKJV: Luxury is not fitting for a fool, Much less for a servant to rule over princes.

The Hebrew word nā'weh means "beautiful," "attractive," or "appropriate." Here it is translated as "fitting." The two scenarios described here are the opposite: ugly and unsuitable. Cultural assumptions play into the phrasing used in this verse. The book of Proverbs has already noted that godly wisdom is the most likely path to success (Proverbs 1:7; 8:35–36). That doesn't mean immoral and unwise people cannot become wealthy (Psalm 37:7; 73:3)—but when they do, it's an unwelcome sight. A fool fails to understand that every possession has been entrusted to him by God (Matthew 25:14–15). Instead of using his wealth and luxurious belongings for God's glory, a fool squanders everything (Matthew 6:19–20; Luke 12:20–21) and perhaps believes what he possesses makes him secure (Proverbs 18:11).

According to Solomon, it's even less appropriate for "slaves" to be leaders over "princes." This is a difficult statement to accept, especially for modern readers. A later comment in the book echoes the same idea (Proverbs 30:21–23), and in the book of Ecclesiastes Solomon expresses almost the same idea as this verse (Ecclesiastes 10:6–7). At first glance, this seems to suggest that slaves are inherently unworthy of leadership, while princes deserve their status. In the broad context of Scripture, this remark is more tied to qualifications than to a moral principle. Servants / slaves of the ancient world were not necessarily equipped to suddenly take on large-scale leadership. In a tighter context, the first half of this proverb notes something incongruous—a situation that appears absurd—which is how servants ruling over masters would also appear.

Other Scriptures indicate that skills, not class, are in mind in this proverb. Joseph, for instance, was a "slave" but was repeatedly given enormous authority because of his abilities (Genesis 39:1–6, 20–23; 41:38–40).

Proverbs 19:8–21 continues Solomon's observations about wisdom and foolishness, a king's wrath, household turmoil, and human plans as compared to divine sovereignty. A theme of these proverbs is the danger of ignoring godly wisdom, while placing too much reliance on one's own ability. A wise person is prudent, diligent, and honest. At the same time, wisdom means realizing that not all plans work out.

Several themes are associated with these statements. Among them are the idea that personal integrity is worth much more than earthly wealth or success. Solomon discusses the unfortunate habit of favoring the rich and dismissing the poor, while commending those who care for the unfortunate. Many references are made to the consequences of foolish behavior, including the shame and punishment such things can bring.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.