King James Version

What Does Proverbs 15:33 Mean?

Proverbs 15:33 in the King James Version says “The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.”

Proverbs 15:33 · KJV

Fear & CourageWisdom

Context

31

The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.

32

He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding. instruction: or, correction heareth: or, obeyeth getteth: Heb. possesseth an heart

33

The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse pairs fear of God with humility: 'The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.' Fear of Yahweh functions as wisdom's curriculum (musar chokhmah)—the disciplinary instruction that produces wise living. This reiterates the book's central thesis (1:7, 9:10). The second phrase presents sequence: humility precedes honor. Those who humble themselves will be exalted; those who exalt themselves will be humbled (Luke 14:11, 18:14; James 4:10; 1 Peter 5:6). This counterintuitive principle reverses worldly wisdom that seeks honor through self-promotion. God's kingdom operates by different values—humble yourself and God will lift you up.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient honor-shame cultures valued honor as supreme good, pursued through various means (military prowess, wealth display, social position). Proverbs insists the path to genuine honor runs through humility, not self-exaltation. This anticipates Jesus' teaching that the first shall be last and the last first (Matthew 20:16) and His own example of humbling Himself unto death (Philippians 2:5-11).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding that the fear of the LORD is wisdom's instruction affect your approach to spiritual growth?
  2. In what specific areas are you tempted to pursue honor through self-promotion rather than trusting God to exalt you in due time?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
יִרְאַ֣ת1 of 7

“The fear”

H3374

fear (also used as infinitive); morally, reverence

יְ֭הוָה2 of 7

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

מוּסַ֣ר3 of 7

“is the instruction”

H4148

properly, chastisement; figuratively, reproof, warning or instruction; also restraint

חָכְמָ֑ה4 of 7

“of wisdom”

H2451

wisdom (in a good sense)

וְלִפְנֵ֖י5 of 7

“and before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

כָב֣וֹד6 of 7

“honour”

H3519

properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness

עֲנָוָֽה׃7 of 7

“is humility”

H6038

condescension, human and subjective (modesty), or divine and objective (clemency)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Proverbs. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Proverbs 15:33 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Proverbs 15:33 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 18:121 Peter 5:5Proverbs 1:7Psalms 34:11James 4:10Psalms 111:10

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