Proverbs 18:12

12 1Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, But 2humility goes before honor.

Proverbs 18:12 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 18:12

Before destruction the heart of man is haughty
Lifted up with his riches. Rich men are apt to be highminded, and therefore are to be charged and cautioned against it; they are apt to look above their poor neighbours, and with contempt upon them; and very often this haughtiness of theirs is a presage of their ruin and destruction: and those haughty airs are put on from the pride of their hearts, when a "breach" is near, as the word F21 signifies, or when they are ready to break; however, their haughty spirits are, sooner or later, humbled by one distressing providence or another; see ( Proverbs 16:18 ) ; and before honour [is] humility; (See Gill on Proverbs 15:33).


FOOTNOTES:

F21 (rbv ynpl) "ante confractionem", Junius & Tremellius, Piscator, Cocceius, Schultens.

Proverbs 18:12 In-Context

10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous runs into it and is safe.
11 A rich man's wealth is his strong city, And like a high wall in his own imagination.
12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, But humility goes before honor.
13 He who gives an answer before he hears, It is folly and shame to him.
14 The spirit of a man can endure his sickness, But as for a broken spirit who can bear it?

Cross References 2

  • 1. Proverbs 11:2; Proverbs 16:18; Proverbs 29:23
  • 2. Proverbs 15:33
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