Proverbs 29:23
Proverbs 29:23 in Multiple Translations
A man’s pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor.
A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.
A man’s pride shall bring him low; But he that is of a lowly spirit shall obtain honor.
A man's pride will be the cause of his fall, but he who has a gentle spirit will get honour.
If you're proud, you'll be humiliated; but if you're humble, you'll be honored.
The pride of a man shall bring him lowe: but the humble in spirit shall enioy glory.
The pride of man humbleth him, And humility of spirit upholdeth honour.
A man’s pride brings him low, but one of lowly spirit gains honor.
A man's pride shall bring him low: but honor shall uphold the humble in spirit.
Humiliation followeth the proud: and glory shall uphold the humble of spirit.
Proud people will be disgraced; those who are humble will be respected.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 29:23
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 29:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
גַּאֲוַ֣ת
אָ֭דָם
תַּשְׁפִּילֶ֑/נּוּ
וּ/שְׁפַל
ר֝֗וּחַ
יִתְמֹ֥ךְ
כָּבֽוֹד
גַּאֲוַ֣ת
gaʼăvâh
H1346
pride
N-fs
אָ֭דָם
ʼâdâm
H120
the man (Adam)
N-ms
תַּשְׁפִּילֶ֑/נּוּ
shâphêl
H8213
to abase
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3fs | Suff
וּ/שְׁפַל
shâphâl
H8217
low
Conj | Adj
ר֝֗וּחַ
rûwach
H7307
spirit
N-cs
יִתְמֹ֥ךְ
tâmak
H8551
to grasp
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
כָּבֽוֹד
kâbôwd
H3519
glory
N-cs
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 29:23
גַּאֲוַ֣ת
gaʼăvâh
H1346
"pride"
N-fs
Pride or majesty, describing something or someone that is impressive or arrogant, like the pride of life in 1 John. It can also mean ornament or swelling, like the swelling of the sea in Psalms.
Definition: 1) pride, majesty, a rising up 1a) a rising up, swelling (of the sea) 1b) majesty (of Israel) 1c) pride, haughtiness
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: excellency, haughtiness, highness, pride, proudly, swelling. See also: Deuteronomy 33:26; Psalms 73:6; Psalms 10:2.
אָ֭דָם
ʼâdâm
H120
"the man (Adam)"
N-ms
Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.
Definition: The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19; married to Eve (H2332); father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33; Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121) man, human being
Usage: Occurs in 526 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. See also: Genesis 1:26; Judges 18:7; Psalms 8:5.
תַּשְׁפִּילֶ֑/נּוּ
shâphêl
H8213
"to abase"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3fs | Suff
To humble or abase oneself, to lower one's expectations or pride. In the Bible, it can mean to bring someone or something down, like in Proverbs 29:23, where a person's pride is humbled.
Definition: 1) to be or become low, sink, be humbled, be abased 1a) (Qal) to be or become low 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to lay or bring low, humiliate 1b2) to set in a lower place, show abasement 1b3) to make low, sit down
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: abase, bring (cast, put) down, debase, humble (self), be (bring, lay, make, put) low(-er). See also: 1 Samuel 2:7; Isaiah 2:17; Psalms 18:28.
וּ/שְׁפַל
shâphâl
H8217
"low"
Conj | Adj
This word means to be low or humble, either in physical height or in social status, often used to describe someone's character or condition. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament, such as in Psalms and Proverbs. It signifies a lack of pride or arrogance.
Definition: 1) low, humble 1a) low (in height) 1b) low (in station), humble (of condition or spirit) 1c) humiliated 1d) lowly (as subst)
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: base(-st), humble, low(-er, -ly). See also: Leviticus 13:20; Ecclesiastes 12:4; Psalms 138:6.
ר֝֗וּחַ
rûwach
H7307
"spirit"
N-cs
In the Bible, this word for spirit refers to the breath of life, the wind, or a person's mind and emotions, as seen in the book of Ezekiel.
Definition: : spirit 1) wind, breath, mind, spirit 1a) breath 1b) wind 1b1) of heaven 1b2) quarter (of wind), side 1b3) breath of air 1b4) air, gas 1b5) vain, empty thing 1c) spirit (as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation) 1c1) spirit, animation, vivacity, vigour 1c2) courage 1c3) temper, anger 1c4) impatience, patience 1c5) spirit, disposition (as troubled, bitter, discontented) 1c6) disposition (of various kinds), unaccountable or uncontrollable impulse 1c7) prophetic spirit 1d) spirit (of the living, breathing being in man and animals) 1d1) as gift, preserved by God, God's spirit, departing at death, disembodied being 1e) spirit (as seat of emotion) 1e1) desire 1e2) sorrow, trouble 1f) spirit 1f1) as seat or organ of mental acts 1f2) rarely of the will 1f3) as seat especially of moral character 1g) Spirit of God, the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son 1g1) as inspiring ecstatic state of prophecy 1g2) as impelling prophet to utter instruction or warning 1g3) imparting warlike energy and executive and administrative power 1g4) as endowing men with various gifts 1g5) as energy of life 1g6) as manifest in the Shekinah glory 1g7) never referred to as a depersonalised force
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: air, anger, blast, breath, [idiom] cool, courage, mind, [idiom] quarter, [idiom] side, spirit(-ual), tempest, [idiom] vain, (whirl-) wind(-y). See also: Genesis 1:2; Job 6:26; Psalms 1:4.
יִתְמֹ֥ךְ
tâmak
H8551
"to grasp"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to grasp or hold something, like taking hold of a person or object. It is used in books like Genesis and Psalms to describe helping or supporting someone.
Definition: 1) to grasp, hold, support, attain, lay hold of, hold fast 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to grasp, lay hold of, attain 1a2) to hold up, support 1a3) to hold, keep 1a4) to take hold of each other 1b) (Niphal) to be seized, be held
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: (take, up-) hold (up), maintain, retain, stay (up). See also: Genesis 48:17; Proverbs 5:22; Psalms 16:5.
כָּבֽוֹד
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.
Study Notes — Proverbs 29:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 29:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 29:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 29:23
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 29:23
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 29:23
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 29:23
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 29:23
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 29:23
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 29:23
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 29:23
- Sermons on Proverbs 29:23
Context — The Flourishing of the Righteous
21A servant pampered from his youth will bring grief in the end.
22An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered man abounds in transgression.
23A man’s pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor.
24A partner to a thief hates his own soul; he receives the oath but does not testify. 25The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is set securely on high.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew 23:12 | For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. |
| 2 | Luke 14:11 | For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” |
| 3 | Proverbs 11:2 | When pride comes, disgrace follows, but with humility comes wisdom. |
| 4 | Isaiah 66:2 | Has not My hand made all these things? And so they came into being,” declares the LORD. “This is the one I will esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, who trembles at My word. |
| 5 | James 4:6–10 | But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn, and weep. Turn your laughter to mourning, and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you. |
| 6 | 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.” |
| 7 | Proverbs 15:33 | The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom, and humility comes before honor. |
| 8 | Proverbs 16:18 | Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. |
| 9 | Luke 18:14 | I tell you, this man, rather than the Pharisee, went home justified. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” |
| 10 | Isaiah 2:11–12 | The proud look of man will be humbled, and the loftiness of men brought low; the LORD alone will be exalted in that day. For the Day of the LORD of Hosts will come against all the proud and lofty, against all that is exalted— it will be humbled— |
Proverbs 29:23 Summary
This verse, Proverbs 29:23, teaches us that when we have pride in our hearts, it will ultimately lead to our downfall, but when we have a humble spirit, we will be honored by God and others. This is because pride leads us to trust in ourselves, rather than in God, as seen in Jeremiah 17:5-8, while humility allows us to recognize our limitations and depend on Him, as in Psalm 37:7. By choosing to walk in humility, we can experience the blessings and favor of God in our lives, as promised in Proverbs 22:4 and James 4:6.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the relationship between pride and humility in Proverbs 29:23?
According to Proverbs 29:23, a man's pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor, indicating that pride leads to downfall, while humility leads to exaltation, as also seen in Proverbs 16:18 and James 4:10.
How can I identify pride in my own life?
Pride can manifest as self-exaltation, arrogance, or a lack of dependence on God, as warned against in Proverbs 16:5 and 1 Corinthians 13:4, so it's essential to regularly examine your heart and actions in light of Scripture.
What does it mean to have a humble spirit?
A humble spirit, as described in Proverbs 29:23, involves recognizing one's limitations and dependence on God, as seen in Psalm 51:17 and Micah 6:8, and living in a way that reflects this humility, such as in serving others and seeking God's will.
How can I cultivate humility in my life?
Cultivating humility involves recognizing your sinfulness and need for God, as in Romans 3:23, and actively seeking to serve and obey Him, as in Matthew 20:26-28, and being willing to learn from others and admit when you are wrong, as in Proverbs 12:1.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I struggle with pride, and how can I surrender them to God?
- How can I practically demonstrate humility in my relationships with others, such as in my family, workplace, or community?
- What are some ways that God has humbled me in the past, and what did I learn from those experiences?
- In what ways can I use my talents, resources, and influence to serve others and bring glory to God, rather than seeking to elevate myself?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 29:23
A man's pride shall bring him low,.... As the pride of Adam, in affecting to be as gods, knowing good and evil; he lost the image of God; was brought into a state of darkness and ignorance, into debt
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 29:23
A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit. Proverbs 15:33; Proverbs 16:18; Proverbs 18:12; Luke 14:11.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 29:23
Shall bring him low, because both God and man conspire against him, and abhor him. Honour shall uphold the humble in spirit; or, as others render it, without any difference in the sense, the humble in spirit shall hold their honour, shall be honoured by God and men. Thus honour, like a shadow, flees from them that pursue it, and follows them who flee from it.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 29:23
Proverbs 29:23 A man’ s pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit. Ver. 23. A man’ s pride shall bring him low.] For it sets God against him, and angels, and men, not good men only, but bad men too, and those that are as proud as themselves. For whereas one drunkard loves another and one thief another, &c., one proud person cannot endure another, but seeks to undermine him, that he alone may bear the bell, carry the commendation, the praise and promotion. See Proverbs 11:12; Proverbs 15:33; Proverbs 18:12.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 29:23
(23) Honour shall uphold the lowly in spirit.—Rather, the lowly in spirit shall lay hold upon honour. (Comp. Proverbs 18:12.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 29:23
Verse 23. A man's pride shall bring him low] A proud man is universally despised, and such are often exposed to great mortifications.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 29:23
23. honour shall uphold, &c.] Rather, He that is lowly in spirit shall obtain honour. Lowly is better than humble (A.V.) in the second clause, because the Heb. word is from the same root as the word bring low, in the first clause. It is substantially the same proverb as that used more than once by our Lord: Every one that exalteth himself shall be humbled; And he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. Luke 14:11; Luke 18:14.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 29:23
Honour shall uphold the humble in spirit - Better: The lowly in spirit shall lay hold on honor.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 29:23
23. Pride shall bring… low — See Proverbs 16:19; Proverbs 25:6. Honour shall uphold — The humble takes hold on, or retains, honour. So most commentators.
Sermons on Proverbs 29:23
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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2006 Heart-Cry - Question Answer Panel by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher criticizes the current state of preaching in evangelicalism, stating that the gospel being preached is not the true gospel. He argues that the message |
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Attitudes on Pride by Jim Logan | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of receiving criticism as a leader. They emphasize the importance of not having a critical spirit and being open to feedback. The sp |
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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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(Proverbs) ch.16:5 - 17:4 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a little bit of money gained honestly rather than accumulating great wealth through dishonest means. The fear of the |
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The Power of Purity by Shane Idleman | This sermon emphasizes the power of purity, highlighting the importance of being pure in heart and action as vessels for the Holy Spirit. It discusses the struggle with imperfectio |
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The Deception of Pride by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman emphasizes the dangers of pride in his sermon 'The Deception of Pride,' explaining how it can lead to a lack of love, critical attitudes, and a false sense of securit |
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Pride and Shame or Humility and Wisdom by Bob Hoekstra | Bob Hoekstra preaches on the importance of walking in humility rather than pride to receive God's grace and wisdom. Those who walk in pride end up with shame, as seen in the wicked |