Proverbs 15:33
Proverbs 15:33 in Multiple Translations
The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom, and humility comes before honor.
The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.
The fear of Jehovah is the instruction of wisdom; And before honor goeth humility.
The fear of the Lord is the teaching of wisdom; and a low opinion of oneself goes before honour.
Respect for the Lord teaches wisdom; humility goes before honor.
The feare of the Lord is the instruction of wisdome: and before honour, goeth humilitie.
The fear of Jehovah [is] the instruction of wisdom, And before honour [is] humility!
The fear of the LORD teaches wisdom. Before honor is humility.
The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom: and before honor is humility.
The fear of the Lord is the lesson of wisdom: and humility goeth before glory.
If you revere Yahweh, you will learn how to become wise, but only after you become humble will people honor you.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 15:33
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 15:33 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יִרְאַ֣ת
יְ֭הוָה
מוּסַ֣ר
חָכְמָ֑ה
וְ/לִ/פְנֵ֖י
כָב֣וֹד
עֲנָוָֽה
יִרְאַ֣ת
yirʼâh
H3374
fear
N-fs
יְ֭הוָה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
מוּסַ֣ר
mûwçâr
H4148
discipline
N-ms
חָכְמָ֑ה
chokmâh
H2451
wisdom
N-fs
וְ/לִ/פְנֵ֖י
pânîym
H6440
face
Conj | Prep | N-cp
כָב֣וֹד
kâbôwd
H3519
glory
N-cs
עֲנָוָֽה
ʻănâvâh
H6038
humility
N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 15:33
יִרְאַ֣ת
yirʼâh
H3374
"fear"
N-fs
This Hebrew word for fear can also mean reverence or respect, especially when it comes to God. It's used to describe a feeling of awe or terror, and is often translated as 'fear' or 'dreadful' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) fear, terror, fearing 1a) fear, terror 1b) awesome or terrifying thing (object causing fear) 1c) fear (of God), respect, reverence, piety 1d) revered
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] dreadful, [idiom] exceedingly, fear(-fulness). See also: Genesis 20:11; Proverbs 1:29; Psalms 2:11.
יְ֭הוָה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
מוּסַ֣ר
mûwçâr
H4148
"discipline"
N-ms
This Hebrew term means discipline or correction, often used to describe God's guidance. In Psalm 50:17, it warns against rejecting God's discipline, while in Proverbs 1:7, it emphasizes the importance of discipline in gaining wisdom. It involves learning from mistakes.
Definition: : discipline/punishment 1) discipline, chastening, correction 1a) discipline, correction 1b) chastening
Usage: Occurs in 50 OT verses. KJV: bond, chastening(-eth), chastisement, check, correction, discipline, doctrine, instruction, rebuke. See also: Deuteronomy 11:2; Proverbs 15:10; Psalms 50:17.
חָכְמָ֑ה
chokmâh
H2451
"wisdom"
N-fs
Wisdom refers to skill, prudence, or good judgment in areas like war, administration, or religion, as seen in the book of Proverbs.
Definition: 1) wisdom 1a) skill (in war) 1b) wisdom (in administration) 1c) shrewdness, wisdom 1d) wisdom, prudence (in religious affairs) 1e) wisdom (ethical and religious)
Usage: Occurs in 141 OT verses. KJV: skilful, wisdom, wisely, wit. See also: Exodus 28:3; Proverbs 5:1; Psalms 37:30.
וְ/לִ/פְנֵ֖י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Conj | Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
כָב֣וֹד
kâbôwd
H3519
"glory"
N-cs
Glory refers to great honor or splendor, often used to describe God's majesty, as in Psalm 138:5 where David praises God's glorious name. It can also refer to wealth or abundance, like in Genesis 31:1 where Jacob's wealth is described.
Definition: 1) glory, honour, glorious, abundance 1a) abundance, riches 1b) honour, splendour, glory 1c) honour, dignity 1d) honour, reputation 1e) honour, reverence, glory 1f) glory
Usage: Occurs in 189 OT verses. KJV: glorious(-ly), glory, honour(-able). See also: Genesis 31:1; Psalms 113:4; Psalms 3:4.
עֲנָוָֽה
ʻănâvâh
H6038
"humility"
N-fs
This word describes humility, referring to a modest or humble mindset, whether in humans or as a divine trait of God's clemency.
Definition: humility, meekness Also means: an.vah (עַנְוָה "gentleness" H6037)
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: gentleness, humility, meekness. See also: Proverbs 15:33; Proverbs 22:4; Proverbs 18:12.
Study Notes — Proverbs 15:33
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 15:33 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 15:33
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 15:33
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 15:33
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 15:33
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 15:33
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 15:33
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 15:33
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 15:33
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 15:33
- Sermons on Proverbs 15:33
Context — A Gentle Answer Turns Away Wrath
31He who listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise.
32He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding.
33The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom, and humility comes before honor.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Peter 5:5 | Young men, in the same way, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” |
| 2 | Proverbs 18:12 | Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor. |
| 3 | Proverbs 1:7 | The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. |
| 4 | James 4:10 | Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you. |
| 5 | Psalms 34:11 | Come, children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD. |
| 6 | Psalms 111:10 | The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts gain rich understanding. His praise endures forever! |
| 7 | Job 28:28 | And He said to man, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.’” |
| 8 | Proverbs 25:6–7 | Do not exalt yourself in the presence of the king, and do not stand in the place of great men; for it is better that he says to you, “Come up here!” than that you should be demoted in the presence of the prince. Even what you have seen with your own eyes, |
| 9 | Proverbs 29:23 | A man’s pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor. |
| 10 | Proverbs 8:13 | To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate arrogant pride, evil conduct, and perverse speech. |
Proverbs 15:33 Summary
Proverbs 15:33 teaches us that having a deep respect and reverence for God is the key to gaining wisdom, and that being humble is essential to receiving honor from God. This means that instead of seeking to promote ourselves, we should focus on honoring and revering God, and trusting that He will lift us up in due time (1 Peter 5:6). By fearing the Lord and humbling ourselves, we can gain a deeper understanding of God's ways and live a life that is pleasing to Him (Proverbs 9:10). As we seek to apply this verse to our lives, we can remember that true honor and wisdom come from God, and that our goal should be to please Him above all else.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to fear the Lord in Proverbs 15:33?
To fear the Lord means to have a deep reverence and respect for God, recognizing His power and authority, as seen in Psalm 111:10, which says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
How does humility come before honor?
Humility comes before honor because when we humble ourselves before God, He lifts us up and gives us honor, as stated in 1 Peter 5:6, which instructs us to humble ourselves under God's mighty hand so that He may lift us up in due time.
What is the relationship between the fear of the Lord and wisdom?
The fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom, as stated in Proverbs 15:33, and it leads to a deeper understanding of God's ways and a life of obedience to Him, as seen in Proverbs 9:10, which says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
How can I apply Proverbs 15:33 to my daily life?
You can apply Proverbs 15:33 to your daily life by seeking to reverence and respect God in all your thoughts, words, and actions, and by humbling yourself before Him, recognizing that true honor comes from Him, as seen in Proverbs 22:4, which says that the reward of humility and the fear of the Lord is riches, honor, and life.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can demonstrate my fear of the Lord in my daily life, and how can I prioritize reverence and respect for God in my thoughts and actions?
- How can I cultivate humility in my heart and life, and what are some practical steps I can take to humble myself before God?
- What are some areas of my life where I need to seek God's wisdom and guidance, and how can I apply the principle of fearing the Lord to those areas?
- How can I balance the desire for honor and recognition with the need to humble myself before God, and what are some biblical examples of people who did this well?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 15:33
The fear of the Lord [is] the instruction of wisdom,.... It is "the beginning of wisdom", Proverbs 9:10; it leads unto it, instructs a man in it; by means of it he attains to true spiritual and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 15:33
The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility. The fear of the Lord (is) the instruction (Hebrew, the discipline) of wisdom - `the discipline' whereby "wisdom" is acquired (Psalms 111:10).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 15:33
Is the instruction of wisdom; doth instruct men in or lead them to true wisdom; whence it is said to be the beginning of wisdom, 9:10. Before honour is humility, i. e. it is the ready way to honour, both from God and from men. Humility; whereby men submit to God, and yield to men, which gains them love and respect; whereas pride procures them hatred and contempt from God and men.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 15:33
Proverbs 15:33 The fear of the LORD [is] the instruction of wisdom; and before honour [is] humility.Ver. 33. The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom.] And before honour is humility.] David came not to the kingdom till he could truly say, "Lord, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty," &c. Abigail was not made David’ s wife till she thought it honour enough to wash the feet of the lowest of David’ s servants. Moses must be forty years a stranger in Midian before he become king in Jeshurun; he must be struck sick to death in the inn before he go to Pharaoh on that honourable embassy. Luther observed that ever, for most part, before God set him upon any special service for the good of the church, he had some sore fit of sickness. Surely, as the lower the ebb, the higher the tide; so the lower any descend in humiliation, the higher they shall ascend in exaltation; the lower this foundation of humility is laid, the higher shall the roof of honour be overlaid.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 15:33
(33) The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom.—Or, a discipline which leads to wisdom. (Comp. Proverbs 1:7.) Before honour is humility.—Humility leads to it. (Comp. Luke 1:52.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 15:33
Verse 33. The fear of the Lord] See Clarke on Proverbs 1:7. Much is spoken concerning this fear; 1. It is the beginning of wisdom. 2. It is also the beginning of knowledge. And, 3. It is the instruction of wisdom. Wisdom derives its most important lessons from the fear of God. He who fears God much, is well taught. And before honour is humility.] That is, few persons ever arrive at honour who are not humble; and those who from low life have risen to places of trust and confidence, have been remarkable for humility.
We may rest assured that the providence of God will never elevate a proud man; such God beholds afar off. He may get into places of trust and profit, but God will oust him, and the people will curse him, and curse his memory. So will it ever be with bad ministers and advisers of the crown.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 15:33
33. of wisdom] See Proverbs 15:31, note. before honour &c.] Comp. Matthew 23:12; Luke 14:11; Luke 18:14.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 15:33
The instruction of wisdom - i. e., The discipline that leads to wisdom.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 15:33
33. The instruction (or discipline) of wisdom — The pre-requisite to wisdom — reverence for Jehovah, his character and his law, and the disposition implied in this — are necessary to the attainment of true wisdom.
Sermons on Proverbs 15:33
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Pitfalls in Ministry by Michael L. Brown by Micheal L. Brown | This sermon emphasizes the importance of humility, teachability, and staying low before the Lord to avoid falling into moral failures or leading a double life. It highlights the ne |
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Stubbornness by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on his own experiences and the importance of humility and submission before God. He emphasizes the need for grace and the willingness to be us |
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Exaltation of the Humble by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer emphasizes the paradox of spiritual victory through humility, illustrating that true strength lies not in direct confrontation but in surrendering to God. He explains th |
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From the Finishing of the Temple by Herod to the Death of Alexander and Aristobulus by Flavius Josephus | Flavius Josephus preaches about King Herod's zealous administration, enactment of severe laws, and controversial punishments, leading to hatred and accusations within his family. D |
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Humbling Oneself by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen preaches on the importance of humility and being willing to humble ourselves under God's mighty hand, as God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Spiritual e |
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More on Josiah Humbling Himself Before the Lord by Bob Hoekstra | Bob Hoekstra preaches on the importance of responding humbly to God's word, using the example of King Josiah who, upon hearing the neglected word of God, humbly tore his clothes an |
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Wait Low in His Fear by George Fox | George Fox emphasizes the importance of gathering in the Fear of the Lord, being attentive to the Light of Jesus Christ, and waiting in humility to experience the Life and Power of |