“Better to be lowly in spirit along with the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud.”
The contrast here is about being humble rather than proud. Living with a humble spirit is a reflection of a persons character, who they are on the inside. The alternative picture in this verse is the proud who plunders or takes advantage of others to maintain an external lifestyle designed to impress the world. I know many Godly men and women of wealth who live humble lives of great character. This verse is not an indictment of them. It is not evil or ungodly to accumulate wealth. As Solomon shares in this verse it is about ones character. With God it is always about what a person has on the inside. Ultimately it’s about if the Holy Spirit reside on the inside of a person and is He given the freedom to direct the individuals story. We serve a God who we are told that while man looks on the outside of a person He looks at their heart. It is unique to Him to be able to see directly into the heart, motives and character, of a person. Because we don’t have that ability this verse is also very personal. It is meant to challenge us about ourselves not equip us to judge others. Today allow God to build His character in you. #BeTheEdge
“The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7b NIV
