The use of vaut?

Question

Whilst not directly on this subject but is anyone able to explain the use of "vaut" from the example. Il vaut mieux le faire soi même.

Accepted Answer

Hi Kris,
It is the verb 'valoir' which meant to be worth something and you can use in the  literal way to mean the worth/the price :
Ce bureau vaut 125 € = This desk is worth €125
When used as an impersonal expression with only 'il' or sometimes 'ça' 
followed by 'vaut', it indicates a general comment or a saying/proverb.
Il vaut mieux entendre ça que d'être sourd = (It's) better to hear that than be deaf 
Ça vaut la peine de venir = It's worth your while coming
Il vaut mieux le faire soi-même = (It's) better to do it yourself 
Ça ne vaut pas le coup! = It's not worth it!
Hope this helps!