“Better to be a nobody and yet have a servant than pretend to be somebody and have no food.”
In the book of 1st Samuel David uses the word translated “a nobody” here about himself. A better translation may be “lightly esteemed”. In the Hebrew book of Ecclesiasticus, also known as The Book of Sirach, there is a saying: “Respectful mediocrity is better than boastful poverty.” That does a good job of summarizing this thought as well. I have to admit when I first saw this quote it made me laugh out loud. When you live as long as I have you inevitably see this verse lived out. There are few things as ridiculous as watching someone you know living on their last borrowed dime trying to give the impression they are wealthy. It is sad. Mainly because it is so unnecessary. The world that matters doesn’t care what you have and the world that cares doesn’t really matter. Solomon also wants us to know that a friend who helps you in times of physical need is a powerful gift. Not to make light of the servant in this verse but it was very common for even those of very modest resources to have a servant in Solomons day. It does not take much imagination to see the better condition of the “nobody” in this context. The challenge for us is to find contentment in whatever our circumstances are knowing that we can eat our next meal in peace with a friend. Today find your value in our God who provides for your needs and rest there. #BeTheEdge
“You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.” Jesus
