Proverbs 18:12

12 Before his downfall a man's heart is proud, but before honor comes humility.^[a]

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).

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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 run to it and are protected.

11 A rich man's wealth is his fortified city; in his imagination it is like a high wall.

12 Before his downfall a man's heart is proud, but before honor comes humility.

13 The one who gives an answer before he listens- this is foolishness and disgrace for him.

14 A man's spirit can endure sickness, but who can survive a broken spirit?

Footnotes

• [a] Pr 11:2; 16:18; 29:23