This Proverb says, “A man will be praised according to his insight, but one of perverse mind will be despised. Better is he who is lightly esteemed but has a servant than he who honors himself and lacks bread.”
The first of these two passages speaks of a person with insight. A person with insight is one who can apply the wisdom of God’s Word to life. This person offers sound advice to others by clarifying God’s Word to them. His or her advice will produce good results for family, associates and friends. As a result such a person will receive praise and be held in high esteem.
However, the advice of a person with a perverse mind will not produce good results. A person with a perverse mind does not believe in God, so their advice is not based on God’s Truth. Therefore, their advice produces very bad results for others. As a result, this person will be despised.
The second passage in this Proverb indicates that it is better to be humble and productive than to be prideful but unproductive. The results of our thoughts, words, and deeds are more important than unproductive boasting.
The Bible says that we will be judged by the fruit of our life. Therefore our efforts should be directed toward doing good things and helping others when appropriate. Any praise we receive should be from God rather than ourselves.
