💡WEB · Proverbs 29:23
What does Proverbs 29:23 mean?
"A man’s pride brings him low, but one of lowly spirit gains honor."
— Proverbs 29:23 (World English Bible)
Surrounding context
Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
He who pampers his servant from youth will have him become a son in the end.
An angry man stirs up strife, and a wrathful man abounds in sin.
A man’s pride brings him low, but one of lowly spirit gains honor.
Whoever is an accomplice of a thief is an enemy of his own soul. He takes an oath, but dares not testify.
The fear of man proves to be a snare, but whoever puts his trust in Yahweh is kept safe.
Many seek the ruler’s favor, but a man’s justice comes from Yahweh.
Explanation
Proverbs 29:23 states a simple but profound observation about human character: pride leads to downfall, while humility leads to honor. In plain language, the verse teaches that when a person exalts themselves, thinks too highly of their own importance, or refuses to acknowledge their limitations, they set themselves up for a fall. Conversely, the person who carries themselves with humility—who doesn't need to boast or assert superiority over others—ends up being honored, often in ways the proud person never achieves.
This proverb comes from the book of Proverbs, traditionally attributed largely to Solomon, though the book as a whole is a collection of wisdom sayings gathered and compiled over time for use in ancient Israel, particularly in the education of the young and in the royal court. Proverbs was written to instill practical wisdom for righteous living, contrasting the way of wisdom with the way of folly. This particular verse fits within a larger chapter (29) that repeatedly contrasts the righteous and the wicked, the wise and the foolish, often focusing on themes of justice, authority, and how one's character shapes one's fate in the community.
Theologically, this proverb reflects a consistent biblical pattern: God opposes the proud and favors the humble. This is not merely a social observation but a moral principle woven throughout Scripture. Pride represents a kind of self-idolatry—placing one's own will, judgment, and glory above God's, and often above others' rightful due. It disrupts right relationship both with God and with people. Humility, by contrast, is presented as wisdom's pro
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