For better it is that it be said unto thee, Come up hither; than that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of the prince whom thine eyes have seen.
It's better to be told 'Come up and sit in a higher place' than to be embarrassed by being moved to a lower seat in front of a ruler you can see.
This verse is teaching that it's wiser to take a humble position and be invited up than to assume a high position and risk being publicly embarrassed.
📚 Historical Context
This proverb is part of a collection of Solomon's wisdom sayings that were compiled by scribes during the reign of King Hezekiah in ancient Israel, around the 7th century BC. It reflects the cultural norms of the time, where social status was often displayed at royal banquets, and assuming a higher position could lead to public correction by the ruler. The advice emphasizes humility as a safeguard against embarrassment in hierarchical societies.
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