King James Version
Proverbs 18:12 in the King James Version says “Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.”
Proverbs 18:12 · KJV
The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe. safe: Heb. set aloft
The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit.
Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.
He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him. answereth: Heb. returneth a word
The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?
KJV Study — Public Domain
“Before”
H6440the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
“destruction”
H7667a fracture, figuratively, ruin; specifically, a solution (of a dream)
“the heart”
H3820the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
“of man”
H376a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
“Before”
H6440the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
“honour”
H3519properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness
“is humility”
H6038condescension, human and subjective (modesty), or divine and objective (clemency)
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.
Proverbs 18:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Proverbs 18:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge