Korean Proverb Series 47
The One with Nine Mocks the One with One
“아홉 가진 놈이 하나 가진 놈을 놀린다”
(Ahop gajin nom-i hana gajin nom-eul nollinda)
🕰️ 1. The Proverb’s Core Meaning
The Korean proverb “아홉 가진 놈이 하나 가진 놈을 놀린다” literally means
“A man with nine things mocks the one with one.”
It reflects a sharp truth about human nature —
those who have a little more often look down on those who have less,
forgetting how small their own difference truly is.
This proverb criticizes arrogance and reminds us that true wealth is humility,
not possession.
🪄 2. Meaning & Key Lesson
▪️ Pride in small advantages reveals a shallow heart.
▪️ Comparison blinds us to gratitude.
▪️ The value of a person is not measured by what they own, but by how they treat others.
It reminds us that kindness weighs more than numbers —
and that humility is the mark of true richness.
👀 3. Real-Life Applications
▪️ A wealthy person mocking someone poorer forgets that fortune can change overnight.
▪️ A top student belittling others loses the grace that wisdom should bring.
▪️ In society, those who help the weaker earn far more respect than those who boast.
Generosity builds bridges; arrogance builds walls.
🌏 4. Similar Proverbs Around the World
▪️ United States / United Kingdom — “Pride goes before a fall.”
→ Arrogance often leads to one’s downfall.
▪️ China — “满招损，谦受益 (Mǎn zhāo sǔn, qiān shòu yì).”
→ “Pride brings loss; humility brings gain.”
▪️ Japan — “実るほど頭を垂れる稲穂かな (Minoru hodo atama o tareru inaho kana).”
→ “The fuller the rice head, the lower it bows.” (True greatness shows humility.)
▪️ France — “L’orgueil précède la chute.”
→ “Pride comes before the fall.”
Across cultures, the message rings clear —
those who truly have much are humble, not boastful.
💬 A Warm Saying
“Having more doesn’t make you greater —
sharing more does.”
📌 Note
This is a creative cultural content from the Misojieum Story Blog (kor-telling.com).
Please do not copy without permission.
Sharing is welcome with proper source citation.
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