Proverbs 15:33

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

¶ The fear of the LORD [is] the instruction of wisdom; and before honour [is] humility.

Complete Jewish Bible:

The discipline of wisdom is fear of ADONAI, so before being honored, a person must be humble.

Berean Standard Bible:

The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom, and humility comes before honor.

American Standard Version:

The fear of Jehovah is the instruction of wisdom; And before honorgoethhumility.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

The fear^{H3374} of the LORD^{H3068} is the instruction^{H4148} of wisdom^{H2451}; and before^{H6440} honour^{H3519} is humility^{H6038}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Proverbs 15:33

Proverbs 15:33, "The fear of the LORD [is] the instruction of wisdom; and before honor [is] humility," encapsulates two foundational principles of biblical wisdom literature. The "fear of the LORD" refers to a reverential awe and respect for God, acknowledging His sovereignty and holiness. This fear is not terror but a deep recognition of God's authority, which serves as the bedrock for acquiring wisdom. In the historical context of ancient Israel, wisdom was a highly valued trait, encompassing not just knowledge but also practical skills for living a just and upright life in accordance with God's will.

The second principle highlighted in the verse is the virtue of humility as a prerequisite to honor. In the social and moral fabric of the time, honor was a significant status symbol, often associated with one's position or achievements. However, the proverb asserts that true honor is predicated on humility—a recognition of one's limitations and a willingness to esteem others above oneself. This counsel would have resonated with the Israelites, who were frequently reminded through their religious and legal systems that God exalts those who humble themselves.

Together, these themes underscore the importance of a God-centered life and the paradoxical nature of true greatness in the eyes of God: wisdom and honor are attainable not through self-promotion or worldly success, but through a profound respect for God and a humble heart. This message remains relevant across time and cultures, challenging individuals to pursue a life of wisdom and humility as the path to true honor.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H3374
   There are 45 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יִרְאָה
   Transliteration: yirʼâh
   Pronunciation: yir-aw'
   Description: feminine of יָרֵא; fear (also used as infinitive); morally, reverence; [idiom] dreadful, [idiom] exceedingly, fear(-fulness).
   
2. Strong's Number: H3068
   There are 5521 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יְהֹוָה
   Transliteration: Yᵉhôvâh
   Pronunciation: yeh-ho-vaw'
   Description: from הָיָה; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God; Jehovah, the Lord. Compare יָהּ, יְהֹוִה.
   
3. Strong's Number: H4148
   There are 50 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: מוּסָר
   Transliteration: mûwçâr
   Pronunciation: moo-sawr'
   Description: from יָסַר; properly, chastisement; figuratively, reproof, warning or instruction; also restraint; bond, chastening(-eth), chastisement, check, correction, discipline, doctrine, instruction, rebuke.
   
4. Strong's Number: H2451
   There are 141 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: חׇכְמָה
   Transliteration: chokmâh
   Pronunciation: khok-maw'
   Description: from חָכַם; wisdom (in a good sense); skilful, wisdom, wisely, wit.
   
5. Strong's Number: H6440
   There are 1890 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: פָּנִים
   Transliteration: pânîym
   Pronunciation: paw-neem'
   Description: plural (but always as singular) of an unused noun פָּנֶה; from פָּנָה); the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposition (before, etc.); [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you.
   
6. Strong's Number: H3519
   There are 189 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: כָּבוֹד
   Transliteration: kâbôwd
   Pronunciation: kaw-bode'
   Description: rarely כָּבֹד; from כָּבַד; properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness; glorious(-ly), glory, honour(-able).
   
7. Strong's Number: H6038
   There are 5 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: עֲנָוָה
   Transliteration: ʻănâvâh
   Pronunciation: an-aw-vaw'
   Description: from עָנָו; condescension, human and subjective (modesty), or divine and objective (clemency); gentleness, humility, meekness.