Proverbs 18:12

12 Before destruction the heart of man is proud, But before honor is humility.

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 Yahweh is a strong tower: The righteous run to him, and are safe.
11 The rich man's wealth is his strong city, Like an unscalable wall in his own imagination.
12 Before destruction the heart of man is proud, But before honor is humility.
13 He who gives answer before he hears, That is folly and shame to him.
14 A man's spirit will sustain him in sickness, But a crushed spirit who can bear?
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