King James Version

What Does Proverbs 29:23 Mean?

Proverbs 29:23 in the King James Version says “A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Proverbs 29:23 · KJV

Holy Spirit

Context

21

He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child shall have him become his son at the length.

22

An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.

23

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

24

Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth cursing, and bewrayeth it not.

25

The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe. safe: Heb. set on high

Read Proverbs 29 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
A man's pride shall bring him low—The sequence is inevitable: ge'on adam (man's pride, arrogance) leads to tashpilennu (shall humble him, bring him low). God opposes the proud (James 4:6, 1 Peter 5:5). Scripture repeatedly demonstrates this principle: Pharaoh, Nebuchadnezzar, Herod—all humbled by divine judgment.

The contrast offers hope: honour shall uphold the humble in spirit. The shefal-ruach (lowly in spirit, humble-minded) will uphold (tomek, support, sustain) kavod (honor, glory). Jesus embodied this: 'Whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted' (Matthew 23:12). True honor comes through humility, not self-promotion.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Solomon himself exemplified pride's danger—his early humility (1 Kings 3:7-9) gave way to later arrogance through wealth and political alliances. The prophets warned Israel that national pride would bring exile. The early church saw Herod Agrippa struck down for accepting worship (Acts 12:21-23).

Reflection Questions

  1. Where does pride manifest in your life—in accomplishments, knowledge, moral superiority?
  2. How has God used humbling circumstances to correct your pride and deepen your dependence?
  3. What does 'humble in spirit' look like practically, avoiding both pride and false humility?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
גַּאֲוַ֣ת1 of 7

“pride”

H1346

arrogance or majesty; by implication, (concretely) ornament

אָ֭דָם2 of 7

“A man's”

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

תַּשְׁפִּילֶ֑נּוּ3 of 7

“shall bring him low”

H8213

to depress or sink (especially figuratively, to humiliate, intransitive or transitive)

וּשְׁפַל4 of 7

“the humble”

H8217

depressed, literally or figuratively

ר֝֗וּחַ5 of 7

“in spirit”

H7307

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

יִתְמֹ֥ךְ6 of 7

“shall uphold”

H8551

to sustain; by implication, to obtain, keep fast; figuratively, to help, follow close

כָּבֽוֹד׃7 of 7

“but honour”

H3519

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

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 29:23 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 29:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 23:12Luke 14:11Proverbs 11:2Isaiah 66:2James 4:6-101 Peter 5:5

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