Proverbs 29:23 kjv

A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.

Proverbs 29:23 nkjv

A man's pride will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honor.

Proverbs 29:23 niv

Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor.

Proverbs 29:23 esv

One's pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor.

Proverbs 29:23 nlt

Pride ends in humiliation,
while humility brings honor.

Proverbs 29 verses

Proverbs 29 23 Meaning

Proverbs 29:23 states a fundamental principle of divine justice and human conduct: A person's arrogance or inflated self-regard inevitably leads to their abasement and disgrace. Conversely, a person who possesses a lowly or submissive spirit will eventually receive recognition, respect, and dignity. The verse highlights an inherent moral order established by God where character, specifically humility or pride, determines one's ultimate standing.

Proverbs 29 23 Context

Proverbs is a book of wisdom literature, primarily conveying divine wisdom for practical living through concise, often parallel, statements. Chapter 29 continues to explore the contrasts between the righteous and the wicked, and wise and foolish behavior, emphasizing the consequences of each. This specific proverb highlights the internal disposition of pride versus humility, and how it directly impacts one's external standing and relationship with both God and others. Historically, in ancient Israel, pride (גַּאֲוָה, ga'avah) was understood as a rebellion against God's ultimate authority, an attempt to self-exalt, which directly challenged the monotheistic reverence for Yahweh. Conversely, humility was seen as acknowledging one's true place under God, which garnered divine favor and human respect. This wisdom also implicitly critiques the common ancient Near Eastern tendency for kings and powerful figures to boast and rely on their own strength, asserting that true honor comes through God's pathway of humility, not through self-aggrandizement.

Proverbs 29 23 Word analysis

• A man's pride: The Hebrew word for "pride" is גַּאֲוָה (ga'avah). This term denotes arrogance, haughtiness, self-exaltation, or an inflated sense of one's own importance. It signifies a disposition that resists dependence on God and often looks down upon others. Its significance lies in being contrary to the fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom.
• will bring him low: The Hebrew verb is יַשְׁפִּילֶנּוּ (yashpilennu), derived from the root שָׁפַל (shafal), meaning "to be low, to be abased, to humble." The causative form indicates an action that causes one to become low or humiliated. This abasement is often, though not exclusively, God-ordained, representing a consequence within His moral order.
• but: This conjunction marks a strong contrast, introducing the antithetical second half of the proverb. It signals a reversal of outcomes based on a different disposition.
• a humble spirit: "Humble" comes from the same root שְׁפַל (shefal), here used as an adjective modifying "spirit." The word for "spirit" is רוּחַ (ruach), referring to the innermost being, the core disposition, or the animating principle of life. A "humble spirit" signifies a disposition of lowliness, contrition, meekness, and recognition of one's dependence on God and appropriate place before Him and others. It's not weakness, but a strength rooted in right relationship.
• will obtain honor: "Obtain" is יִתְמֹךְ (yitmokh), from תָּמַךְ (tamakh), meaning "to grasp, hold, support, attain." This implies an active receiving or holding onto the honor that is given. "Honor" is כָּבוֹד (kavod), which means glory, respect, dignity, or weighty importance. This honor is typically not sought by the humble person but is bestowed upon them, often by God Himself or through human recognition guided by God's principles.

• Words-group analysis: "A man's pride will bring him low": This phrase emphasizes the self-destructive nature of pride. Pride elevates oneself artificially, but reality, particularly divine reality, ultimately asserts itself to expose the proud person's true, vulnerable, and ultimately lowly state. It is a promise of downfall for those who do not acknowledge their creaturely status before the Creator. "but a humble spirit will obtain honor": This phrase presents the opposite truth, highlighting the path to true elevation. Genuine inner humility—an honest assessment of oneself coupled with reliance on God—leads to authentic dignity and respect. This honor is enduring because it is not based on self-assertion but on alignment with divine wisdom and grace. The contrast signifies a profound principle of divine justice: what is valued by God, the humble spirit, receives true exaltation.

Proverbs 29 23 Bonus section

This proverb illustrates a key reversal principle in the Kingdom of God, where worldly values are often overturned. In a society that frequently praises self-promotion and ambition, this verse counters by stating that true, lasting elevation comes from the antithetical disposition of lowliness. It teaches that honor is not something we seize for ourselves but something we receive. The verse points to the active role of God in managing the affairs of humanity, ensuring that pride's consequences are reaped and humility is rewarded. This honor is not limited to social status; it encompasses divine approval and favor, which are the most profound forms of exaltation.

Proverbs 29 23 Commentary

Proverbs 29:23 distills a fundamental moral truth pervasive throughout the Bible: pride inevitably leads to degradation, while humility secures honor. Pride, stemming from an elevated self-view, inherently opposes God's sovereignty and human interdependence. It prevents individuals from receiving instruction, admitting mistakes, and trusting divine provision, thereby leading to isolated folly and ultimate disgrace. God actively resists the proud, seeing their arrogance as an affront to His own majesty. Conversely, a humble spirit—one that recognizes dependence on God and embraces a posture of learnability and service—aligns with God's design. This genuine inner humility is paradoxically the path to true elevation, respect, and enduring honor, not through human striving, but often as a divine bestowal. This principle is often seen in daily life: those who are self-serving eventually alienate others, while those who are genuinely humble attract favor and build strong, respectful relationships.