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King James Version
¶ A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.
American Standard Version
A man’s pride shall bring him low; But he that is of a lowly spirit shall obtain honor.
World English Bible Messianic
A man’s pride brings him low, but one of lowly spirit gains honor.
Geneva Bible (1599)
The pride of a man shall bring him lowe: but the humble in spirit shall enioy glory.
Young's Literal Translation
The pride of man humbleth him, And humility of spirit upholdeth honour.
Translation
In the KJVVerse 17,248 of 31,102 · 55.5%
LawLawHistoryHistPoetryPoetProphetsProphNew TestamentNT
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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Proverbs 29:23.
Passage under commentProverbs 29:23
23¶ A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.
This agrees with what Christ said more than once, 1. That those who exalt themselves shall be abased. Those that think to gain respect by lifting up themselves above their rank, by looking high, talking big, appearing fine, and applauding themselves, will on the contrary expose themselves to contempt, lose their reputation, and provoke God by humbling providences to bring them down and lay them low. 2. That those who humble themselves shall be exalted, and shall be established in their dignity: Honour shall uphold the humble in spirit; their humility is their honour, and that shall make them truly and safely great, and recommend them to the esteem of all that are wise and good.
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Historical interpretation
Four Centuries of Reception
3 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Ante-NicenePost-NiceneEarly Medieval
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Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
Pride and arrogance have subverted many. Through pride Adam went forth from paradise, and dust became the serpent’s meat. Through pride Cain killed his brother and became a trembler and a straggler on the earth. And Ham, because he was uplifted and mocked his father, became accursed and a servant of servants to his brothers. Because of his pride Esau lost the birthright of his primogeniture; and Pharaoh, because he was hardened and uplifted, was drowned in the Red Sea, he and his host. And the sons of Eli the priest, because they were lifted up against the people, were deposed from the priesthood of the Holy One. Goliath the Philistine, because of his arrogance against David, was humbled and put to shame, and fell by his pride. And upon Abimelech the son of Gideon, who was lifted up against his brothers and slew them, came the curse of Jotham his brother. Absalom, who was uplifted and seized the kingdom, fell and was humbled before the servants of David; and Adonijah the son of Haggith, who stole the kingdom, neither retained it nor prospered by his pride. As for Ahithophel the counselor of iniquities, his pride was humbled by his own hands; and Jeroboam the son of Nebat, the servant of Solomon, who made division among the people, became an evil memory in Israel; and Ahab the son of Omri was overcome by covetousness in the inheritance of Jezreel and received retributions. To the king of Edom, who was lifted up against Ahab, there was not found anyone that should bind or that should loose. And Haman, who was lifted up against Mordecai, received retribution on the gallows, he and his sons. The men of Babylon who accused Daniel had their bones crushed by lions. And Judas, who betrayed our Savior, fell into the sea with a millstone about his neck. These all were humbled by their pride, as it was written, “The pride of a man shall humble him, and to him who is humble in spirit honor shall be increased.”
Give me someone professing perpetual continence, and free from these and all similar vices and blemishes of conduct. For her I fear pride; for her I dread the swelling of self-conceit from so great a blessing. The more there is in her from which she finds self-complacence, the more I fear lest by pleasing herself she will displease him who “resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
That we ourselves may become worthy of following in his footsteps and ascending to heaven, let us in the meantime become humble on earth for our own good, always mindful that, as Solomon says, “Humiliation follows the proud, and honor follows the humble in spirit.”
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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Summary
Proverbs 29:23 articulates a profound and timeless principle of divine justice and human character: self-exalting pride inevitably leads to abasement and downfall, while a spirit of lowliness, dependence, and teachability is paradoxically the pathway to true honor, stability, and divine exaltation. This proverb encapsulates a core aspect of biblical wisdom, revealing the inherent moral order of God's creation where one's internal disposition profoundly shapes their ultimate destiny.
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, where pride goes before destruction and the blessings of humility in Proverbs 18:12, where humility comes 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. This cultural understanding aligns with the biblical worldview, where 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. 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.
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 in Isaiah 14 to the warnings against haughtiness in Proverbs 11:2, where pride brings 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, which links humility with 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" in James 4:6.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
From the root meaning "to be high" or "exalted," gaʼăvâh (H1346) 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.
This primitive root verb, shâphêl (H8213), means "to depress or sink (expectation figuratively, to humiliate, intransitive or transitive)." 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.
Rarely kâbôd, kâbôwd (H3519) literally means "weight" or "heaviness," but 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 divinely 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" (Hebrew gaʼăvâh) refers to an arrogant, self-exalting attitude, a disposition that believes oneself to be superior or self-sufficient, often without basis or in defiance of God. This internal posture, the proverb declares, will actively "bring him low" (Hebrew shâphêl), leading to humiliation, loss of status, or even ruin. It implies a divine principle at work where self-exaltation is met with abasement, a reversal of fortune initiated by one's own hubris.
"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" (Hebrew kâbôwd) signifies respect, glory, or dignity—a weighty and substantial recognition. This honor is not something the humble person grasps but rather something that "shall uphold" (Hebrew tâmak) them, meaning to sustain, support, or maintain. The recipient is "the humble in spirit" (Hebrew shâphâl rûwach), literally "low of spirit," denoting a modest, unassuming, teachable, and contrite disposition that acknowledges dependence on God. 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 and underscoring the inherent consequences of one's character.
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.
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 and aligned with His divine design for human flourishing.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "a man's pride shall bring him low" truly mean?
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 and allows their self-inflated state to lead to their undoing, demonstrating that human attempts at self-exaltation are ultimately futile against God's established order.
How does "honour shall uphold the humble in spirit" contrast with the first part of the verse?
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 that transcends worldly recognition.
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. 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. 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. Jesus' life, death, 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, a truth He lived out perfectly, becoming the source of eternal salvation for all who follow His path of humble obedience.