Proverbs 15:33 kjv

The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.

Proverbs 15:33 nkjv

The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom, And before honor is humility.

Proverbs 15:33 niv

Wisdom's instruction is to fear the LORD, and humility comes before honor.

Proverbs 15:33 esv

The fear of the LORD is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor.

Proverbs 15:33 nlt

Fear of the LORD teaches wisdom;
humility precedes honor.

Proverbs 15 verses

Proverbs 15 33 Meaning

Proverbs 15:33 states a profound truth: reverential awe and submission to the Lord are the absolute starting point for acquiring genuine wisdom and instruction. Furthermore, it reveals a fundamental spiritual principle that humility, rather than pride or self-exaltation, is the necessary prerequisite and path leading to true honor and elevation.

Proverbs 15 33 Context

Proverbs 15 emphasizes the critical importance of proper speech, righteous living, and wisdom versus folly. Throughout the chapter, contrast is drawn between the righteous and the wicked, highlighting their different outcomes. Verses leading up to 33 discuss the Lord's omnipresent gaze (v. 3), the heart as the wellspring of life (v. 4), wise counsel (v. 22), the effect of a gentle answer (v. 1), and the joy of a good heart (v. 13). Verse 33 serves as a summary and capstone, pointing to the ultimate source and prerequisite for all true wisdom and blessings: a reverential relationship with God and the embrace of humility. It connects internal character with external honor, aligning with the wisdom tradition of seeking divine instruction over human ingenuity.

Proverbs 15 33 Word analysis

• The fear of the Lord (יִרְאַת יְהוָה - yir'at YHWH):

  • Yir'at: Not terror or cringing dread, but a profound awe, reverence, and respect for God's holiness, power, and authority.
  • YHWH: The personal, covenantal name of God, indicating a relationship built on faithfulness and submission to His will.
  • Significance: It implies recognizing God as sovereign, revering His commandments, hating evil (Prov 8:13), and desiring to live in obedience to Him. It's the proper orientation of the human heart towards its Creator.

• is the instruction of wisdom (מוּסַר חָכְמָה - musar chokhmah):

  • Musar: Implies discipline, moral training, correction, chastening, or teaching. It's the active process of being trained or shaped, often involving correction or even hardship, that leads to development.
  • Chokhmah: Practical wisdom, discernment, skill in living, ability to apply divine truth to everyday situations. It's not merely intellectual knowledge but moral and practical expertise.
  • Significance: The fear of the Lord is the discipline that produces wisdom. It’s the essential schooling or curriculum through which one truly becomes wise and understands how to live skillfully in God's world.

• and before (וְלִפְנֵי - wəliphnê):

  • Liphnê: "In the presence of," "prior to," "precedes."
  • Significance: Denotes sequence and causality. Humility is not merely an attendant virtue, but a necessary preceding condition or prerequisite.

• honor (כָּבוֹד - kavod):

  • Kavod: Glory, esteem, dignity, weighty reputation, respect.
  • Significance: In the biblical context, true honor often originates from God and is given to those who live righteously. It's not necessarily worldly fame, but deep respect.

• is humility (עֲנָוָה - 'anavah):

  • 'Anavah: Lowliness of mind, meekness, submission, freedom from pride. It means having a realistic assessment of oneself in relation to God and others.
  • Significance: It's the opposite of self-exaltation. It involves teachability, recognizing one's dependence on God, and not seeking personal acclaim. This internal disposition is often tested by circumstances.

Words-group analysis

• "The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom": This phrase highlights that the reverential awe of God is the curriculum, the discipline, and the fundamental education required for obtaining genuine, practical wisdom. It establishes that all true wisdom has its source and grounding in a right relationship with the Almighty. It suggests that if one seeks to be truly wise in navigating life, one must first come to terms with God's majesty and authority.
• "and before honor is humility": This clause sets forth a divinely ordained paradox. While the world often equates honor with pride, self-assertion, or visible achievements, the scripture asserts that true, lasting honor is a consequence of humility. It implies that genuine elevation and recognition from God—and often from others—comes to those who willingly abase themselves, serve others, and acknowledge their dependence on God rather than striving for self-glorification. Humility is the path, not an obstacle, to authentic dignity.

Proverbs 15 33 Bonus section

The structure of this proverb highlights a progression from an internal spiritual disposition to external outcomes. The "fear of the Lord" leads to the acquisition of "wisdom," which subsequently enables the demonstration of "humility," ultimately resulting in "honor." It speaks to God's economy of blessing, where our proper reverence for Him (faith, attitude) dictates our access to wisdom (knowledge, discernment), which in turn fosters humility (character), ultimately opening the way for God-given honor (exaltation, recognition). This proverb challenges the human tendency to seek wisdom without divine reference and to pursue honor directly without embracing self-abasement.

Proverbs 15 33 Commentary

Proverbs 15:33 presents a concise two-part axiom for spiritual maturity and blessing. Firstly, it anchors wisdom firmly in "the fear of the Lord," meaning a deep, reverential respect for God, which then serves as the indispensable moral training that shapes a discerning and skilled life. This isn't theoretical knowledge but a practical ability to live in alignment with God's will. Secondly, it articulates a counter-cultural truth: genuine honor and elevation do not come from striving for them directly through self-promotion or pride, but are the byproduct of humility. To be humble means acknowledging one's rightful place before God and others, being teachable, and putting others first. This principle is consistently reinforced throughout Scripture, especially by Jesus Christ, who exemplified the path of humble obedience leading to ultimate exaltation. It teaches that God is the source of all true honor, and He bestows it upon those whose character reflects self-effacement and submission to Him.

Examples:

• A leader, recognizing God's sovereignty, seeks divine counsel (fear of the Lord), then receives instruction leading to wise governance (instruction of wisdom), rather than relying on their own limited understanding.
• An individual volunteers to serve unnoticed (humility), and in time, their dedication and character lead to unexpected recognition or promotion from those who truly see their value (honor).