Proverbs 29:23

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

A man's {H120} pride {H1346} shall bring him low {H8213}: but honour {H3519} shall uphold {H8551} the humble {H8217} in spirit {H7307}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The proud will be humbled, but the humble will be honored.

Berean Standard Bible

A man’s pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor.

American Standard Version

A man’s pride shall bring him low; But he that is of a lowly spirit shall obtain honor.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 29:23 presents a foundational truth about the contrasting destinies of pride and humility: self-exalting arrogance inevitably leads to abasement and downfall, while a spirit of lowliness and dependence on God is paradoxically the path to true honor, stability, and divine exaltation. This proverb encapsulates a core principle of biblical wisdom, revealing the inherent moral order of God's creation where character profoundly shapes one's ultimate outcome.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 29:23 is situated within a collection of Solomonic proverbs, specifically those compiled by the men of Hezekiah (Proverbs 25-29). This section often focuses on the practical outworking of wisdom and folly in daily life, particularly concerning leadership, justice, and personal character. The verse employs **antithetical parallelism**, a hallmark of Hebrew poetry, by contrasting the fate of the proud with that of the humble. This structure emphasizes the stark difference in outcomes, reinforcing the book's overarching message that righteousness leads to life and folly to destruction. It stands as a concise summation of themes explored throughout the book, such as the dangers of arrogance found in [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride and Destruction") and the blessings of humility in [Proverbs 18:12](/proverbs/18-12 "Proverbs 18:12 - Humility before Honor").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern cultures, honor and shame were paramount social currencies. Public reputation and one's standing within the community were deeply significant. Pride (often manifested as boasting, self-sufficiency, or disregard for others) was seen as a disruptive force that challenged established social hierarchies and divine order, inviting shame and downfall. Conversely, humility, expressed through deference, teachability, and acknowledgement of one's place before God and elders, was highly valued as it fostered social cohesion and demonstrated wisdom. The proverb reflects the Israelite understanding that true honor is not self-proclaimed but bestowed, often by God Himself, upon those who embody a spirit of lowliness, aligning with the covenantal emphasis on dependence on Yahweh.
* **Key Themes:** This proverb powerfully articulates several key themes pervasive throughout the Book of Proverbs and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **The Destructive Nature of Pride**, presenting it as a direct antagonist to wisdom and a catalyst for personal and societal ruin. This theme is echoed consistently, from the fall of Lucifer to the warnings against haughtiness in [Proverbs 11:2](/proverbs/11-2 "Proverbs 11:2 - Pride and Disgrace"). Secondly, it highlights **The Exalting Power of Humility**, demonstrating that a spirit of lowliness, far from being weakness, is the very disposition that God honors and upholds. This divine principle is a recurring motif, promising exaltation for those who humble themselves, as seen in [Proverbs 22:4](/proverbs/22-4 "Proverbs 22:4 - Humility and Riches, Honor, and Life"). Thirdly, the verse subtly points to **Divine Justice and Moral Order**, affirming that there is a righteous structure to the universe where actions have consequences, and God Himself is actively involved in upholding the humble and abasing the proud. This reflects the consistent biblical teaching that God "opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble" ([James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God Opposes the Proud")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **pride (Hebrew, _gaʼăvâh'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be high" or "exalted," _gaʼăvâh_ here signifies arrogance, haughtiness, or self-exaltation. While it can sometimes refer to majesty or excellency (as in God's majesty), in Proverbs, it predominantly carries a negative connotation, denoting an inflated sense of self-importance that leads to ruin. It implies a spirit that resists acknowledging dependence on God or others.
* **bring him low (Hebrew, _shâphêl'_):** This verb means "to depress," "to sink," or "to humiliate." It describes the inevitable consequence of pride—a reduction in status, dignity, or influence. It can imply being abased, debased, or brought down from a position of perceived strength or honor, often by divine intervention or natural consequence.
* **honour (Hebrew, _kâbôwd'_):** Literally meaning "weight" or "heaviness," _kâbôwd_ figuratively refers to splendor, glory, dignity, or respect. It denotes a substantial, weighty reputation or recognition. In this context, it is the opposite of being brought low; it signifies being upheld, esteemed, and given a position of respect and significance. This honor is not self-sought but bestowed.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"A man's pride shall bring him low":** This clause establishes the direct causal link between pride and its inevitable consequence. "Pride" (gaʼăvâh) refers to an arrogant, self-exalting attitude, a disposition that believes oneself to be superior or self-sufficient. This internal posture, the proverb declares, will actively "bring him low" (shâphêl), leading to humiliation, loss of status, or even ruin. It implies a divine principle at work where self-exaltation is met with abasement.
* **"but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit":** This second clause stands in stark contrast, presenting the antithetical outcome for a different character trait. "Honour" (kâbôwd) signifies respect, glory, or dignity. This honor is not something the humble person grasps but rather something that "shall uphold" (tâmak) them, meaning to sustain, support, or maintain. The recipient is "the humble in spirit" (shâphâl rûwach), literally "low of spirit," denoting a modest, unassuming, teachable, and contrite disposition. This humility, far from being weakness, is portrayed as the very quality that receives divine and human affirmation, leading to stability and true exaltation.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Proverbs 29:23 is **Antithetical Parallelism**. This structure is fundamental to much of biblical wisdom literature, where two lines express contrasting ideas, with the second line providing an opposing perspective to the first. Here, "pride" is contrasted with "humble in spirit," and the outcome of being "brought low" is contrasted with being "upheld by honor." This stark juxtaposition effectively highlights the moral and spiritual dichotomy, emphasizing the wisdom of choosing humility over pride. The proverb also employs **Personification** to a degree, as "pride" is depicted as an active agent that "brings low," and "honor" as an agent that "upholds," giving abstract concepts dynamic roles in shaping human destiny.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 29:23 articulates a profound theological truth: God's kingdom operates on principles contrary to worldly wisdom. While the world often values self-promotion and assertive ambition, God consistently exalts the humble and resists the proud. This is not merely a social observation but a divine decree, reflecting God's own character and His established moral order. Humility acknowledges dependence on God, which is the foundation of true wisdom and faith, whereas pride is a form of idolatry, placing self on the throne meant for God. The consistent biblical message is that genuine honor and lasting elevation come not from human striving for status, but from a disposition of lowliness that trusts in God's sovereign hand to uplift.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [Proverbs 18:12](/proverbs/18-12 "Proverbs 18:12 - Humility Before Honor")
* [James 4:10](/james/4-10 "James 4:10 - Humble Yourselves Before the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 29:23 serves as a timeless mirror, inviting us to examine the posture of our hearts. In a world that often celebrates self-assertion and external achievement, this proverb reminds us that true elevation and enduring honor stem from an internal disposition of humility. It challenges us to recognize that pride, in its myriad forms—whether arrogance, self-sufficiency, defensiveness, or a need for constant recognition—is a destructive force that inevitably leads to a fall, not just in reputation, but in spiritual vitality and relational health. Conversely, cultivating a humble spirit—one that acknowledges our limitations, seeks wisdom, serves others, and relies on God—is the pathway to being genuinely upheld, respected, and blessed. This principle applies to every sphere of life: in our personal walk with God, in our relationships, in our workplaces, and in our communities. Choosing humility is not weakness; it is profound strength, rooted in the wisdom of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might pride be subtly influencing my thoughts, words, or actions?**
* **How does a "humble in spirit" person behave differently from a proud person in daily interactions and decision-making?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a more humble spirit and depend more fully on God?**
* **How might embracing humility lead to greater honor and stability in my personal and professional life?**

### FAQ
**What does "a man's pride shall bring him low" truly mean?**

Answer: This phrase means that an attitude of arrogance, self-exaltation, or haughtiness inevitably leads to a downfall or humiliation. It's a statement of cause and effect, indicating that pride, by its very nature, sets one on a path toward abasement, loss of status, or even ruin. This can manifest in various ways, such as public disgrace, relational breakdown, or a spiritual fall from grace. It is a divine principle that God resists the proud ([James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God Opposes the Proud")) and allows their self-inflated state to lead to their undoing.

**How does "honour shall uphold the humble in spirit" contrast with the first part of the verse?**

Answer: This part of the proverb offers a direct antithesis. While pride leads to being brought low, humility leads to being upheld by honor. "Humble in spirit" refers to a disposition of modesty, lowliness, and dependence, acknowledging one's true place before God and others. "Honour" (Hebrew _kâbôwd_) signifies respect, glory, or dignity. The verse teaches that this honor is not something the humble person strives for or demands, but rather something that divinely "upholds" or sustains them. It's a promise that God Himself will lift up and establish those who humble themselves before Him, granting them true and lasting esteem ([1 Peter 5:6](/1_peter/5-6 "1 Peter 5:6 - Humble Yourselves Under God's Mighty Hand")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 29:23 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He perfectly embodied the "humble in spirit" and, through His unparalleled humility, received the highest honor. The Son of God, who existed in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but instead "emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men" ([Philippians 2:6-7](/philippians/2-6 "Philippians 2:6-7 - Christ's Humiliation")). His entire earthly life was a demonstration of self-abasement, culminating in His obedience "even to the point of death, even death on a cross" ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). This act of ultimate humility, a complete surrender of self, did not bring Him low in a destructive sense, but paradoxically led to His supreme exaltation. Therefore, "God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow" ([Philippians 2:9-10](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-10 - Christ's Exaltation")). Jesus' life and resurrection are the perfect illustration that true honor and ultimate authority are not seized through pride but bestowed upon the one who humbles himself. He taught this principle explicitly, stating, "Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted" ([Matthew 23:12](/matthew/23-12 "Matthew 23:12 - Humility and Exaltation")), a truth He lived out perfectly, becoming the source of eternal salvation for all who follow His path of humble obedience.

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

Matthew 23:12

And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.

Luke 14:11

For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

Proverbs 11:2

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

Isaiah 66:2

For all those [things] hath mine hand made, and all those [things] have been, saith the LORD: but to this [man] will I look, [even] to [him that is] poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.

James 4:6

But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

James 4:10

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

1 Peter 5:5

¶ Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all [of you] be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.