Albert Barnes Commentary Proverbs 12:9

"Better is he that is lightly esteemed, and hath a servant, Than he that honoreth himself, and lacketh bread." — Proverbs 12:9 (ASV)

Two interpretations are equally tenable:

1. As in the King James Version: The one whom men despise, or who is “lowly” in his own eyes (compare 1 Samuel 18:23), if he has a slave—that is, if he is one step above absolute poverty and has someone to supply his needs—is better off than the man who boasts of rank or descent and has nothing to eat. Respectable mediocrity is better than boastful poverty.
2. The one who, though despised, serves himself—that is, he supplies his own needs—is better than the arrogant and helpless.