Proverbs 18:12
Proverbs 18:12 in Multiple Translations
Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.
Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.
Before destruction the heart of man is haughty; And before honor goeth humility.
Before destruction the heart of man is full of pride, and before honour goes a gentle spirit.
Pride leads to destruction; humility goes before honor.
Before destruction the heart of a man is hautie, and before glory goeth lowlines.
Before destruction the heart of man is high, And before honour [is] humility.
Before destruction the heart of man is proud, but before honor is humility.
Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honor is humility.
Before destruction, the heart of a man is exalted: and before he be glorified, it is humbled.
Proud people are on the road to being ruined, but being humble leads to being honored.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 18:12
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 18:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לִ/פְנֵי
שֶׁ֭בֶר
יִגְבַּ֣הּ
לֵב
אִ֑ישׁ
וְ/לִ/פְנֵ֖י
כָב֣וֹד
עֲנָוָֽה
לִ/פְנֵי
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp
שֶׁ֭בֶר
sheber
H7667
breaking
N-ms
יִגְבַּ֣הּ
gâbahh
H1361
to exult
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
לֵב
lêb
H3820
heart
N-ms
אִ֑ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
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
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 18:12
לִ/פְנֵי
pânîym
H6440
"face"
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.
שֶׁ֭בֶר
sheber
H7667
"breaking"
N-ms
This word describes a breaking or shattering, like a physical injury or a dream being interpreted, and is used to convey ruin or destruction in the Bible.
Definition: 1) breaking, fracture, crushing, breach, crash, ruin, shattering 1a) breaking, fracture, shattering, crushing 1b) crashing 1c) breaking (of a dream), interpretation 1d) quarries
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: affliction, breach, breaking, broken(-footed, -handed), bruise, crashing, destruction, hurt, interpretation, vexation. See also: Leviticus 21:19; Jeremiah 6:1; Psalms 60:4.
יִגְבַּ֣הּ
gâbahh
H1361
"to exult"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To exult means to feel proud or haughty, like being lofty or high, as described in Psalms where God's ways are lofty and good.
Definition: 1) to be high, be exalted 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be high, lofty, tall 1a2) to be exalted 1a3) to be lofty 1a3a) to be lofty (of Jehovah's ways-good sense) 1a3b) to be haughty, be arrogant (bad sense) 1b) (Hiphil) to make high, exalt
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: exalt, be haughty, be (make) high(-er), lift up, mount up, be proud, raise up great height, upward. See also: 1 Samuel 10:23; Isaiah 7:11; Psalms 103:11.
לֵב
lêb
H3820
"heart"
N-ms
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
אִ֑ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
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 18:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 18:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 18:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 18:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 18:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 18:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 18:12
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 18:12
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 18:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 18:12
- Sermons on Proverbs 18:12
Context — The Selfishness of the Unfriendly
10The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.
11A rich man’s wealth is his fortified city; it is like a high wall in his imagination.
12Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.
13He who answers a matter before he hears it— this is folly and disgrace to him. 14The spirit of a man can endure his sickness, but who can survive a broken spirit?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 15:33 | The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom, and humility comes before honor. |
| 2 | 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.” |
| 3 | Ezekiel 28:2 | “Son of man, tell the ruler of Tyre that this is what the Lord GOD says: Your heart is proud, and you have said, ‘I am a god; I sit in the seat of gods in the heart of the sea.’ Yet you are a man and not a god, though you have regarded your heart as that of a god. |
| 4 | Proverbs 16:18 | Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. |
| 5 | Proverbs 11:2 | When pride comes, disgrace follows, but with humility comes wisdom. |
| 6 | Luke 14:11 | For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” |
| 7 | Proverbs 29:23 | A man’s pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor. |
| 8 | Ezekiel 28:9 | Will you still say, ‘I am a god,’ in the presence of those who slay you? You will be only a man, not a god, in the hands of those who wound you. |
| 9 | Daniel 9:23 | At the beginning of your petitions, an answer went out, and I have come to tell you, for you are highly precious. So consider the message and understand the vision: |
| 10 | Acts 12:21–23 | On the appointed day, Herod donned his royal robes, sat on his throne, and addressed the people. And they began to shout, “This is the voice of a god, not a man!” Immediately, because Herod did not give glory to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died. |
Proverbs 18:12 Summary
[This verse is saying that when someone's heart is full of pride, they are more likely to experience a great fall or failure, but if they are humble, they will be more likely to receive honor and recognition. This is because humility is a key characteristic of someone who is close to God, as seen in Micah 6:8, which says that God requires us to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with Him. By being humble, we are showing that we trust in God's power and wisdom, rather than our own, and this can lead to greater honor and recognition in the end, as seen in Proverbs 15:33, which says that the fear of the Lord teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for a man's heart to be proud before his downfall?
This means that before someone experiences a great fall or failure, their heart is often filled with pride, which can lead to their demise, as seen in Proverbs 16:18, which says that pride goes before destruction.
How can humility come before honor?
Humility comes before honor because when we are humble, we are more likely to receive honor from God and others, as stated in Proverbs 22:4, which says that humility and the fear of the Lord bring wealth and honor and life.
Is this verse saying that everyone who is proud will experience a downfall?
While this verse does suggest that pride can lead to a downfall, it is not saying that everyone who is proud will experience a downfall, but rather that pride can be a precursor to a fall, as seen in the example of King Uzziah in 2 Chronicles 26:16-21.
How can we apply this verse to our lives?
We can apply this verse by recognizing the dangers of pride and actively seeking to cultivate humility in our lives, as encouraged in 1 Peter 5:6, which says that we should humble ourselves under God's mighty hand so that He may lift us up in due time.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be exhibiting pride, and how can I humble myself in those areas?
- How can I balance confidence and humility, so that I am not prideful, but still bold in my faith?
- What are some ways that I can actively seek to honor others and put their needs before my own, as a way of demonstrating humility?
- How can I remember to stay humble, even when I experience success or recognition, and give glory to God instead of taking it for myself?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 18:12
Before destruction the heart of man is haughty,.... Lifted up with his riches.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 18:12
Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility. Before destruction the heart of man is haughty (Proverbs 16:18) and before honour is humility (Proverbs 15:33). Humility is the forerunner of honour.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 18:12
Before destruction the heart of man is haughty; pride is a cause and presage of ruin, as is noted, . Is; or, goeth. This clause we had .
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 18:12
Proverbs 18:12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour [is] humility.Ver. 12. Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty.] Creature confidence and high mindedness are the Dives’ s richman’ s diseases, and go therefore yoked together, as here; so in 1 Timothy 6:17 - "Charge the rich that they be not high minded, nor trust to uncertain riches." Magna cognatio ut rei sic nominis divitiis, et vitiis; Wealth and wickedness are of near alliance, and are not far from destruction, or ‘ breaking to shivers,’ as the word signifies. So bladder like is the soul, that, filled with earthly vanities, though but wind, it grows great and swells in pride; but pricked with the least pin of divine justice, it shrinks and shrivels to nothing.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 18:12
Verse 12. Before destruction] See on Proverbs 11:2; Proverbs 16:18.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 18:12
12. Comp. Proverbs 16:18; Proverbs 15:33.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 18:12
Before - In the sense of priority of time.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 18:12
12. Compare Proverbs 15:33; Proverbs 16:18. They are the same in substance.
Sermons on Proverbs 18:12
| 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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Practicing Honour by Thaddeus Barnum | Thaddeus Barnum emphasizes the significance of practicing honor in our lives, urging the congregation to pray for the character of honor to be built within them. He discusses how h |
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Words to Live by (Prov + John 12) by Phil Beach Jr. | Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the importance of allowing God to work in each individual's heart, recognizing that people may respond differently to His presence—some rejoicing while ot |
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If My People Humble Themselves by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman emphasizes the critical need for humility in the Christian life, warning that pride is deceptive and can lead to personal and relational destruction. He reflects on h |
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Before Destruction the Heart of Man Is Haughty by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the dangers of pride and haughtiness, warning that a proud heart often precedes destruction. He illustrates this with biblical examples, such as King David |
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From the Death of Alexander and Aristobulus to the Banishment of Archelaus by Flavius Josephus | Flavius Josephus recounts the tumultuous final days of King Herod, who, afflicted with a severe and painful illness as a divine judgment for his sins, becomes increasingly tyrannic |
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The Great Master-Scar of the Soul by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the destructive nature of pride in his sermon 'The Great Master-Scar of the Soul,' describing it as the root of all sin and a leprosy that cannot be concea |