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

PROVERBS 29:23KJV
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Proverbs 29:23 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 29:23 mean?

Proverbs 29:23 teaches that pride leads a person to humiliation or downfall, while those who are humble in spirit are supported and honored. The verse draws a clear contrast between the consequences of arrogance and the rewards of humility.

This proverb is part of a collection of wise sayings traditionally attributed to Solomon, directed to anyone seeking wisdom for daily life. The verse uses everyday experiences to highlight a moral truth: pride can cause a person to fall from their position or respect, while humility attracts lasting honor and support from others.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 29:23

  • "Pride" (גָּאוֹן, ga'on) refers to arrogance or a sense of self-importance. In this context, it is not just confidence but an attitude that puts oneself above others, which often leads to a fall.
  • "Low" (שָׁפֵל, shaphel) means to be brought down or humbled. The word suggests a forced lowering, not a voluntary act, emphasizing the negative outcome of pride.
  • "Honour" (כָּבוֹד, kavod) means weightiness, respect, or glory. It is the kind of recognition that comes from others when someone lives with humility.
  • "Humble" (שָׁפַל־רוּחַ, shaphel-ruach) literally means "low of spirit" or "humble in spirit." This phrase points to an attitude of modesty and a willingness to put others first.

Why Proverbs 29:23 matters

  • Proverbs 29:23 clarifies that true honor does not come from self-promotion but from a humble attitude, which may challenge common ideas about success.
  • The verse helps correct the misconception that humility is weakness; instead, it shows humility as the path to genuine respect and stability.
  • This proverb fits into a broader biblical theme that warns against pride and lifts up those who are humble, connecting it to other wisdom sayings in Proverbs and beyond.

Where else these words appear

“humble” Hebrew H8217 · used in 18 verses

  • Leviticus 13:20 And if, when the priest seeth it, behold, it be in sight lower than the skin, and the hair thereof be turned white; the priest shall pronounce him unclean: it is a plague of leprosy broken out of the boil.
  • Job 5:11 To set up on high those that be low; that those which mourn may be exalted to safety.
  • Ezekiel 17:14 That the kingdom might be base, that it might not lift itself up, but that by keeping of his covenant it might stand.

“pride” Hebrew H1346 · used in 19 verses

  • Deuteronomy 33:26 There is none like unto the God of Jeshurun, who rideth upon the heaven in thy help, and in his excellency on the sky.
  • Psalms 36:11 Let not the foot of pride come against me, and let not the hand of the wicked remove me.
  • Isaiah 13:3 I have commanded my sanctified ones, I have also called my mighty ones for mine anger, even them that rejoice in my highness.

“uphold” Hebrew H8551 · used in 20 verses

  • Genesis 48:17 And when Joseph saw that his father laid his right hand upon the head of Ephraim, it displeased him: and he held up his father's hand, to remove it from Ephraim's head unto Manasseh's head.
  • Psalms 63:8 My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me.
  • Proverbs 28:17 A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.

“low” Hebrew H8213 · used in 27 verses

  • 1 Samuel 2:7 The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up.
  • Proverbs 25:7 For better it is that it be said unto thee, Come up hither; than that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of the prince whom thine eyes have seen.
  • Isaiah 25:12 And the fortress of the high fort of thy walls shall he bring down, lay low, and bring to the ground, even to the dust.