Proverbs 16:18

18 Pride goes before destruction, and folly before a fall.

Proverbs 16:18 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 16:18

Pride [goeth] before destruction
As it did in the angels that sinned, who, through pride, fell into condemnation, not being able to bear the thought that the human nature, in the person of the Son of God, should be advanced above theirs; and as it did in our first parents, who, not content with their present state and circumstances, and ambitious of being as gods, knowing good and evil, ruined themselves and all their posterity; and as it has done in many of their sons, as in Haman, Nebuchadnezzar, and others; and a haughty spirit before a fall;
or, "a high spirit", or "height of spirit" ^F9; a man that carries his head high; looks upwards, and not to his goings, sees not at what he may stumble, and so falls: moreover, the bigger a person or thing is, the greater is the fall; and very often when a man has got to the height of his riches and honour, and is swelling with pride and vanity on account of it, he is on the precipice of ruin, and his fall is immediate; which was the case of Nebuchadnezzar, who while he was expressing himself in the haughtiness of his spirit, being in the height of his glory, his kingdom departed from him, ( Daniel 4:30 Daniel 4:31 ) ; and this will be the case of the man of sin, or antichrist, ( Revelation 18:7 Revelation 18:8 ) .

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FOOTNOTES:

F9 (xwr hbg) "elitio spiritus", Pagninus, Montanus, Mercerus, Gejerus, Michaelis; "altitudo spiritus", Piscator; "celstudo aniimi", Cocceius; "altifrons elatio spiritus", Schultens.

Proverbs 16:18 In-Context

16 The brood of wisdom is more to be chosen than gold, and the brood of prudence more to be chosen than silver.

17 The paths of life turn aside from evil; and the ways of righteousness are length of life. He that receives instruction shall be in prosperity; and he that regards reproofs shall be made wise. He that keeps his ways, preserves his own soul; and he that loves his life will spare his mouth.

18 Pride goes before destruction, and folly before a fall.

19 Better is a meek-spirited with lowliness, than one who divides spoils with the proud.

20 skillful in business finds good: but he that trusts in God is most blessed.