Proverbs 15:33
The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.
Original Language Analysis
יְ֭הוָה
of the LORD
H3068
יְ֭הוָה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 7
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
מוּסַ֣ר
is the instruction
H4148
מוּסַ֣ר
is the instruction
Strong's:
H4148
Word #:
3 of 7
properly, chastisement; figuratively, reproof, warning or instruction; also restraint
וְלִפְנֵ֖י
and before
H6440
וְלִפְנֵ֖י
and before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
5 of 7
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
Cross References
Proverbs 18:12Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.1 Peter 5:5Likewise, 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.Proverbs 1:7The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.Psalms 111:10The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.James 4:10Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.Psalms 34:11Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD.Job 28:28And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.Proverbs 29:23A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.Proverbs 8:13The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.Luke 14:11For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
Historical Context
Ancient honor-shame cultures valued honor as supreme good, pursued through various means (military prowess, wealth display, social position). Proverbs insists the path to genuine honor runs through humility, not self-exaltation. This anticipates Jesus' teaching that the first shall be last and the last first (Matthew 20:16) and His own example of humbling Himself unto death (Philippians 2:5-11).
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding that the fear of the LORD is wisdom's instruction affect your approach to spiritual growth?
- In what specific areas are you tempted to pursue honor through self-promotion rather than trusting God to exalt you in due time?
Analysis & Commentary
This verse pairs fear of God with humility: 'The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.' Fear of Yahweh functions as wisdom's curriculum (musar chokhmah)—the disciplinary instruction that produces wise living. This reiterates the book's central thesis (1:7, 9:10). The second phrase presents sequence: humility precedes honor. Those who humble themselves will be exalted; those who exalt themselves will be humbled (Luke 14:11, 18:14; James 4:10; 1 Peter 5:6). This counterintuitive principle reverses worldly wisdom that seeks honor through self-promotion. God's kingdom operates by different values—humble yourself and God will lift you up.