Proverbs 11:2

KJV

¶ [When] pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly [is] wisdom.

KJV (with Strong's)

When pride {H2087} cometh {H935}, then cometh {H935} shame {H7036}: but with the lowly {H6800} is wisdom {H2451}.

Complete Jewish Bible

First comes pride, then disgrace; but with the humble is wisdom.

Berean Standard Bible

When pride comes, disgrace follows, but with humility comes wisdom.

American Standard Version

When pride cometh, then cometh shame; But with the lowly is wisdom.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 11:2 presents a profound antithetical proverb, starkly contrasting the inevitable outcomes of two fundamental human dispositions: pride and humility. It asserts that an arrogant, self-exalting spirit invariably leads to disgrace and public humiliation, whereas a humble, teachable heart is intrinsically linked to and accompanied by true wisdom. This verse serves as a foundational principle in biblical wisdom literature, highlighting the moral universe where character dictates destiny, emphasizing that genuine understanding and flourishing are rooted in a right posture before God and humanity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 11 is a chapter replete with antithetical proverbs, consistently contrasting the path and consequences of the righteous with those of the wicked. The chapter opens with a focus on honesty in business (Proverbs 11:1) and quickly moves to the themes of pride and humility in verse 2, setting a moral tone for the subsequent sayings. Throughout Proverbs 11, the emphasis remains on the direct correlation between one's character (righteousness, integrity, generosity, humility) and their ultimate destiny (life, blessing, honor, security) versus the consequences of wickedness (destruction, shame, poverty, ruin). Proverbs 11:2 serves as a pivotal statement, encapsulating the chapter's overarching message that true prosperity and honor are found not in self-exaltation but in a humble, God-fearing disposition, echoing the broader wisdom tradition found in [the book of Proverbs](/proverbs/1 "Proverbs - The Book of Wisdom").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Proverbs emerges from the ancient Near Eastern wisdom tradition, though distinctively shaped by Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh. In ancient Israelite society, honor and shame were paramount social currencies. Public disgrace (shame) was a severe consequence, often worse than physical punishment, as it stripped an individual of their standing within the community. Pride, or an inflated sense of self-importance, was seen as an affront to both human social order and divine sovereignty, as it usurped God's rightful place. Conversely, humility was highly valued, not as weakness, but as a recognition of one's dependence on God and a proper understanding of one's place within the community. This cultural backdrop amplifies the weight of the proverb, as the "shame" it promises is a deeply felt societal and personal calamity, while "wisdom" bestows genuine honor and a flourishing life.
* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 11:2 powerfully articulates two central themes within the wisdom literature: the **destructive nature of pride** and the **blessing of humility and wisdom**. Pride (Hebrew: *zâdôwn*) is consistently portrayed throughout Proverbs as a dangerous and destructive force, leading to downfall and disgrace. It is often linked to arrogance, rebellion against God, and a refusal to acknowledge one's limitations or need for divine guidance. This theme is powerfully reiterated in [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction"), which states, "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall." In stark contrast, humility (Hebrew: *tsânaʻ*, "lowly") is presented as the pathway to wisdom (*chokmâh*). A humble spirit is open to instruction, teachable, and recognizes its dependence on God, which are all prerequisites for acquiring true wisdom. This wisdom is not merely intellectual knowledge but practical discernment for living a righteous and flourishing life, often connected to the "fear of the Lord" as the beginning of wisdom, as seen in [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Pride (Hebrew, _zâdôwn'_):** Derived from the root meaning "to boil up," this term signifies arrogance, presumption, or insolence. It describes an inflated self-importance that leads one to act haughtily, often disregarding others or even God. In this context, it refers to a disposition of self-exaltation that is inherently rebellious and ultimately self-destructive.
* **Shame (Hebrew, _qâlôwn'_):** From a root meaning "to be light" or "to be contemptible," this word denotes disgrace, dishonor, ignominy, or reproach. It is the public humiliation or loss of respect that inevitably follows a display of *zâdôwn*. It implies a stripping away of one's perceived honor, revealing the emptiness of prideful boasts.
* **Lowly (Hebrew, _tsânaʻ'_):** This primitive root means "to humiliate" or "to be humble." In its participle form, as used here, it describes one who is humble, modest, or discreet. It signifies a realistic and proper assessment of one's place, characterized by teachability and a lack of self-importance, often in relation to God and others.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When pride cometh, then cometh shame:"** This clause establishes a direct cause-and-effect relationship. The arrival of "pride" (a disposition of arrogance or self-exaltation) is immediately followed by the arrival of "shame" (disgrace or humiliation). The repetition of "cometh" (Hebrew *bôwʼ*) emphasizes the certainty and inevitability of this consequence. Pride, by its very nature, sets one up for a fall because it blinds individuals to their flaws, alienates them from wise counsel, and ultimately provokes divine or societal opposition. This is not merely a potential outcome but a guaranteed one in the moral order of God's universe.
* **"but with the lowly is wisdom."** This second clause introduces a sharp antithesis, contrasting the fate of the proud with that of the humble. The phrase "with the lowly" (Hebrew *tsânaʻ*) indicates that wisdom is not merely a possession of the humble but is intrinsically associated with their very being and disposition. Humility—a realistic and modest self-assessment, open to instruction and acknowledging dependence—creates the fertile ground for true wisdom (*chokmâh*) to reside and flourish. This wisdom encompasses not only intellectual understanding but also practical discernment, moral insight, and the ability to navigate life successfully and righteously.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 11:2 is a quintessential example of **Antithetical Parallelism**, a common literary device in the book of Proverbs. This device presents two contrasting ideas or statements, where the second line expresses the opposite of the first, thereby highlighting the truth through juxtaposition. Here, "pride" and "shame" are set against "lowly" and "wisdom," creating a clear moral dichotomy. The use of **Personification** is also subtly present, as "pride," "shame," and "wisdom" are depicted as entities that "come" or reside "with" individuals, giving them an active role in the unfolding of human experience. This elevates abstract concepts to concrete forces, making their impact more tangible and immediate for the reader. The proverb's concise, declarative structure also lends it an **Aphoristic** quality, making it memorable and easily applicable as a guiding principle for life.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This proverb deeply resonates with the biblical emphasis on humility as a cardinal virtue and pride as a foundational sin. Theologically, pride is often seen as the root of all sin, as it represents a desire to be self-sufficient and independent of God, mirroring the original sin in Eden. God consistently opposes the proud but extends grace to the humble, a theme echoed throughout Scripture. True wisdom, therefore, is not merely intellectual prowess but a spiritual disposition that acknowledges God's sovereignty and one's own creaturely limitations. This wisdom leads to a life aligned with God's will, resulting in flourishing and honor, while pride leads to divine judgment and human disgrace.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God Resists the Proud")
* [Matthew 23:12](/matthew/23-12 "Matthew 23:12 - Humility and Exaltation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 11:2 offers a timeless and profoundly practical challenge for every individual. In a world that often celebrates self-promotion, ambition, and outward displays of success, this proverb serves as a vital corrective, reminding us that true honor and lasting success are not found in self-exaltation but in a spirit of humility. Pride blinds us to our own flaws, hinders our ability to learn, and ultimately alienates us from God and others, leading to inevitable downfall and shame. Conversely, cultivating a lowly or humble heart opens us to divine wisdom, enables us to receive correction, fosters genuine relationships, and positions us to receive God's grace and favor. To live wisely, we must actively resist the subtle and overt temptations of pride, choosing instead to walk in humility, acknowledging our dependence on God and valuing others above ourselves. This requires a daily, intentional posture of teachability and self-awareness, seeking to serve rather than to be served.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might pride be subtly influencing my thoughts, words, or actions?**
* **How does a humble spirit enable me to receive wisdom and correction more effectively?**
* **What practical steps can I take today to cultivate greater humility in my interactions and decisions?**
* **How does the fear of the Lord relate to the "lowly" spirit described in this proverb?**

### FAQ
**What is the difference between healthy self-esteem and pride?**

Answer: Healthy self-esteem is a realistic and positive appreciation of one's own worth and abilities, grounded in truth and often reinforced by God's love and grace. It allows for confidence without arrogance, recognizing that one's gifts come from God. Pride, as described in [Proverbs 11:2](/proverbs/11-2 "Proverbs 11:2 - Pride and Humility"), is an inflated, often unwarranted, sense of self-importance that leads to self-exaltation, a disregard for others, and an unwillingness to acknowledge one's limitations or dependence on God. While healthy self-esteem builds up, pride tears down, leading to isolation and shame.

**Does "shame" in this verse refer only to public disgrace, or does it have a deeper meaning?**

Answer: While "shame" (Hebrew *qâlôwn*) certainly encompasses public disgrace and humiliation in ancient Israelite culture, its meaning here is deeper than mere social embarrassment. It speaks to the intrinsic consequence of pride, which is a loss of true honor and dignity, often accompanied by a profound sense of failure or worthlessness that comes from the collapse of one's self-constructed image. It implies a spiritual and moral bankruptcy that results from a life lived in opposition to God's wisdom, ultimately leading to a state of dishonor before both God and humanity. This can manifest in various forms, from public scandal to internal regret and spiritual emptiness, as pride inevitably leads away from the life-giving path of wisdom found in [Proverbs](/proverbs/1 "Proverbs - The Book of Wisdom").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 11:2 finds its ultimate fulfillment and most profound illustration in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of perfect lowliness and divine wisdom, standing in stark contrast to the pride that characterizes fallen humanity. While humanity's pride led to shame and separation from God, Christ, though being in the very nature God, "made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humiliation")). His entire life was a demonstration of profound humility, from His birth in a manger to His willing submission to the cross. He taught that "whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted" ([Matthew 23:12](/matthew/23-12 "Matthew 23:12 - Humility and Exaltation")), perfectly modeling this principle. In His humility, Christ became "the wisdom of God" ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ, the Wisdom of God")), through whom all things were created and by whom salvation is offered. His shame on the cross, endured for our pride, ultimately led to His exaltation and the redemption of all who humble themselves before Him. Thus, the proverb points to Christ as the one who perfectly lived out the truth that with the lowly is wisdom, offering us both the example and the means to overcome our pride and walk in His life-giving wisdom.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 29:23

¶ A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.

Proverbs 15:33

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

Proverbs 16:18

¶ Pride [goeth] before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

Proverbs 16:19

¶ Better [it is to be] of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.

Luke 18:14

I tell you, this man went down to his house justified [rather] than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

Proverbs 18:12

¶ Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour [is] humility.

Proverbs 3:34

Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly.