Proverbs 29:23
A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.
Original Language Analysis
גַּאֲוַ֣ת
pride
H1346
גַּאֲוַ֣ת
pride
Strong's:
H1346
Word #:
1 of 7
arrogance or majesty; by implication, (concretely) ornament
אָ֭דָם
A man's
H120
אָ֭דָם
A man's
Strong's:
H120
Word #:
2 of 7
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
תַּשְׁפִּילֶ֑נּוּ
shall bring him low
H8213
תַּשְׁפִּילֶ֑נּוּ
shall bring him low
Strong's:
H8213
Word #:
3 of 7
to depress or sink (especially figuratively, to humiliate, intransitive or transitive)
ר֝֗וּחַ
in spirit
H7307
ר֝֗וּחַ
in spirit
Strong's:
H7307
Word #:
5 of 7
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
Cross References
Matthew 23:12And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.Luke 14:11For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.Proverbs 11:2When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.Isaiah 66:2For 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.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 15:33The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.Proverbs 16:18Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.Luke 18:14I 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 18:12Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.Matthew 18:4Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Historical Context
Solomon himself exemplified pride's danger—his early humility (1 Kings 3:7-9) gave way to later arrogance through wealth and political alliances. The prophets warned Israel that national pride would bring exile. The early church saw Herod Agrippa struck down for accepting worship (Acts 12:21-23).
Questions for Reflection
- Where does pride manifest in your life—in accomplishments, knowledge, moral superiority?
- How has God used humbling circumstances to correct your pride and deepen your dependence?
- What does 'humble in spirit' look like practically, avoiding both pride and false humility?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
A man's pride shall bring him low—The sequence is inevitable: ge'on adam (man's pride, arrogance) leads to tashpilennu (shall humble him, bring him low). God opposes the proud (James 4:6, 1 Peter 5:5). Scripture repeatedly demonstrates this principle: Pharaoh, Nebuchadnezzar, Herod—all humbled by divine judgment.
The contrast offers hope: honour shall uphold the humble in spirit. The shefal-ruach (lowly in spirit, humble-minded) will uphold (tomek, support, sustain) kavod (honor, glory). Jesus embodied this: 'Whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted' (Matthew 23:12). True honor comes through humility, not self-promotion.