Amsal 16:19

16:19 It is better to be lowly in spirit ¹  with the afflicted

than to share the spoils ²  with the proud.

Amsal 23:1

23:1 When you sit down to eat with a ruler,

consider carefully ³  what ⁴  is before you,

Amsal 24:1

24:1 Do not envy evil people, ⁵ 

do not desire ⁶  to be with them;

[16:19]  ¹ tn Heb “low of spirit”; KJV “of an humble spirit.” This expression describes the person who is humble and submissive before the Lord and therefore inoffensive. It is always necessary to have a humble spirit, whether there is wealth or not.

[16:19]  ² tn Heb “than to divide plunder.” The word “plunder” implies that the wealth taken by the proud was taken violently and wrongfully – spoils are usually taken in warfare. R. N. Whybray translates it with “loot” (Proverbs [CBC], 95). The proud are in rebellion against God, overbearing and oppressive. One should never share the “loot” with them.

[23:1]  ³ tn The construction uses the imperfect tense of instruction with the infinitive absolute to emphasize the careful discernment required on such occasions. Cf. NIV “note well”; NLT “pay attention.”

[23:1]  ⁴ tn Or “who,” referring to the ruler (so ASV, NAB, TEV).

[24:1]  ⁵ tn Heb “evil men,” although the context indicates a generic sense.

[24:1]  ⁶ tn The Hitpael jussive is from the verb that means “to crave; to desire.” This is more of a coveting, an intense desire.