Proverbs 18:12

12 Before destruction the heart of man is high, And before honour [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 A tower of strength [is] the name of Jehovah, Into it the righteous runneth, and is set on high.
11 The wealth of the rich [is] the city of his strength, And as a wall set on high in his own imagination.
12 Before destruction the heart of man is high, And before honour [is] humility.
13 Whoso is answering a matter before he heareth, Folly it is to him and shame.
14 The spirit of a man sustaineth his sickness, And a smitten spirit who doth bear?
Young's Literal Translation is in the public domain.