Meaning, commentary and cross references
Proverbs 16:18
“Pride goes before destruction,
and a haughty spirit before a fall.”In other translations
KJV · King James Version
Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
NIV · New International Version
Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.
WEB · World English Bible
Pride goes before destruction, and an arrogant spirit before a fall.
What does Proverbs 16:18 mean?
John Gill · Exposition of the Entire Bible, on Proverbs 16:18
Pride goeth before destruction,.... As it did in the angels that sinned, who, through pride, fell into condemnation, not being able to bear the thought that the human nature, in the person of the Son of God, should be advanced above theirs; and as it did in our first parents, who, not content with their present state and circumstances, and ambitious of being as gods, knowing good and evil, ruined themselves and all their posterity; and as it has done in many of their sons, as in Haman, Nebuchadnezzar, and others; and a haughty spirit before a fall; or, "a high spirit", or "height of spirit" (i); a man that carries his head high; looks upwards, and not to his goings, sees not at what he may…
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 16:18
Note, 1. Pride will have a fall. Those that are of a haughty spirit, that think of themselves above what is meet, and look with contempt upon others, that with their pride affront God and disquiet others, will be brought down, either by repentance or by ruin. It is the honour of God to humble the proud, Job 40:11, Job 40:12.
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 16:15–21 (WEB)
15In the light of the king’s face is life. His favor is like a cloud of the spring rain. 16How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! Yes, to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver. 17The highway of the upright is to depart from evil. He who keeps his way preserves his soul. 18Pride goes before destruction, and an arrogant spirit before a fall. 19It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor, than to divide the plunder with the proud. 20He who heeds the Word finds prosperity. Whoever trusts in the LORD is blessed. 21The wise in heart shall be called prudent. Pleasantness of the lips promotes instruction.
Cross references
- Proverbs 11:2
When pride comes, then comes shame, but with humility comes wisdom.
- Isaiah 2:11–12
The lofty looks of man will be brought low, the arrogance of men will be bowed down, and the LORD alone will be exalted in that day.
- Proverbs 18:12
Before destruction the heart of man is proud, but before honor is humility.
- Obadiah 1:3–4
The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who dwell in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high, who says in his heart, ‘Who will bring me down to the ground?’
- Proverbs 29:23
A man’s pride brings him low, but one of lowly spirit gains honor.
- 1 Timothy 3:6
not a new convert, lest being puffed up he fall into the same condemnation as the devil.
- Proverbs 17:19
He who loves disobedience loves strife. One who builds a high gate seeks destruction.
- Romans 11:20
True; by their unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by your faith. Don’t be conceited, but fear;