Meaning, commentary and cross references
Proverbs 11:2
“When pride comes, then comes disgrace,
but with the humble is wisdom.”In other translations
KJV · King James Version
When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.
NIV · New International Version
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.
WEB · World English Bible
When pride comes, then comes shame, but with humility comes wisdom.
What does Proverbs 11:2 mean?
John Gill · Exposition of the Entire Bible, on Proverbs 11:2
When pride cometh, then cometh shame,.... The one follows the other, or rather keep pace together; as soon as one comes, the other comes; as in the case of the angels that sinned, Adam and Eve, Haman, Nebuchadnezzar, and others; and will be the case of the Romish antichrist, who, while vaunting and priding himself in his glory and grandeur, will fall into shame, disgrace, and destruction, Revelation 18:7; but with the lowly is wisdom; or wisdom shall come, as Jarchi: the consequence of which is honour and glory; as with Christ, who is meek and lowly, are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge; so with his humble followers, who reckon themselves the least of saints, and chief of sinners…
John Gill, Exposition of the Entire Bible (1746–63). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Matthew Henry · Commentary on the Whole Bible, on Proverbs 11:2
Observe, 1. How he that exalts himself is here abased, and contempt put upon him. When pride comes then comes shame. Pride is a sin which men have reason to be themselves ashamed of; it is a shame to a man who springs out of the earth, who lives upon alms, depends upon God, and has forfeited all he has, to be proud.
Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Context: Proverbs 11:1–5 (WEB)
1A false balance is an abomination to the LORD, but accurate weights are his delight. 2When pride comes, then comes shame, but with humility comes wisdom. 3The integrity of the upright shall guide them, but the perverseness of the treacherous shall destroy them. 4Riches don’t profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death. 5The righteousness of the blameless will direct his way, but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.
Cross references
- Proverbs 29:23
A man’s pride brings him low, but one of lowly spirit gains honor.
- Proverbs 16:18–19
Pride goes before destruction, and an arrogant spirit before a fall.
- Luke 18:14
I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
- Proverbs 15:33
The fear of the LORD teaches wisdom. Before honor is humility.
- Proverbs 18:12
Before destruction the heart of man is proud, but before honor is humility.
- Proverbs 3:34–35
Surely he mocks the mockers, but he gives grace to the humble.
- 1 Corinthians 8:1–2
Now concerning things sacrificed to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.
- Luke 14:8–11
“When you are invited by anyone to a wedding feast, don’t sit in the best seat, since perhaps someone more honorable than you might be invited by him,