Proverbs 11:2
Proverbs 11:2 in Multiple Translations
When pride comes, disgrace follows, but with humility comes wisdom.
When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.
When pride cometh, then cometh shame; But with the lowly is wisdom.
When pride comes, there comes shame, but wisdom is with the quiet in spirit.
With pride comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.
When pride commeth, then commeth shame: but with the lowly is wisdome.
Pride hath come, and shame cometh, And with the lowly [is] wisdom.
When pride comes, then comes shame, but with humility comes wisdom.
When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.
Where pride is, there also shall be reproach: but where humility is, there also is wisdom.
People who are proud will eventually be disgraced; it is wise to be humble.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 11:2
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 11:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בָּֽא
זָ֭דוֹן
וַ/יָּבֹ֣א
קָל֑וֹן
וְֽ/אֶת
צְנוּעִ֥ים
חָכְמָֽה
בָּֽא
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal
זָ֭דוֹן
zâdôwn
H2087
arrogance
N-ms
וַ/יָּבֹ֣א
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
קָל֑וֹן
qâlôwn
H7036
dishonor
N-ms
וְֽ/אֶת
ʼêth
H854
with
Conj | Prep
צְנוּעִ֥ים
tsânaʻ
H6800
be humble
Adj
חָכְמָֽה
chokmâh
H2451
wisdom
N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 11:2
בָּֽא
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
זָ֭דוֹן
zâdôwn
H2087
"arrogance"
N-ms
This word means arrogance or pride, describing an attitude of insolence. It is used to describe those who act with pride, like the proud man in the Bible. The KJV translates it as presumptuously or pride.
Definition: pride, insolence, presumptuousness, arrogance
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: presumptuously, pride, proud (man). See also: Deuteronomy 17:12; Proverbs 21:24; Proverbs 11:2.
וַ/יָּבֹ֣א
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
קָל֑וֹן
qâlôwn
H7036
"dishonor"
N-ms
This word refers to feelings of shame or dishonor, like when someone does something wrong. It is used in Proverbs to describe the shame of foolish behavior. The Bible teaches that God can restore honor to those who repent.
Definition: 1) shame, disgrace, dishonour, ignominy 1a) ignominy (of nation) 1b) dishonour, disgrace (personal)
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: confusion, dishonour, ignominy, reproach, shame. See also: Job 10:15; Proverbs 18:3; Psalms 83:17.
וְֽ/אֶת
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
צְנוּעִ֥ים
tsânaʻ
H6800
"be humble"
Adj
This word means to humble or humiliate someone, bringing them low. It can also describe someone who is modest or lowly. In the Bible, it is used to encourage humility and meekness, as seen in the life of Jesus.
Definition: 1) to be humble, be modest, be lowly 1a) (Qal) to show humility 2) (Hiphil) modest
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: humbly, lowly. See also: Proverbs 11:2; Micah 6:8.
חָכְמָֽה
chokmâh
H2451
"wisdom"
N-fs
Wisdom refers to skill, prudence, or good judgment in areas like war, administration, or religion, as seen in the book of Proverbs.
Definition: 1) wisdom 1a) skill (in war) 1b) wisdom (in administration) 1c) shrewdness, wisdom 1d) wisdom, prudence (in religious affairs) 1e) wisdom (ethical and religious)
Usage: Occurs in 141 OT verses. KJV: skilful, wisdom, wisely, wit. See also: Exodus 28:3; Proverbs 5:1; Psalms 37:30.
Study Notes — Proverbs 11:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 11:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 11:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 11:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 11:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 11:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 11:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 11:2
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 11:2
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 11:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 11:2
- Sermons on Proverbs 11:2
Context — Dishonest Scales
1Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, but an accurate weight is His delight.
2When pride comes, disgrace follows, but with humility comes wisdom.
3The integrity of the upright guides them, but the perversity of the faithless destroys them. 4Riches are worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness brings deliverance from death.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 29:23 | A man’s pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor. |
| 2 | Proverbs 15:33 | The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom, and humility comes before honor. |
| 3 | Proverbs 16:18–19 | Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. It is better to be lowly in spirit among the humble than to divide the spoil with the proud. |
| 4 | Luke 18:14 | I tell you, this man, rather than the Pharisee, went home justified. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” |
| 5 | Proverbs 18:12 | Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor. |
| 6 | Proverbs 3:34–35 | He mocks the mockers, but gives grace to the humble. The wise will inherit honor, but fools are held up to shame. |
| 7 | 1 Corinthians 8:1–2 | Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. The one who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know. |
| 8 | Luke 14:8–11 | “When you are invited to a wedding banquet, do not sit in the place of honor, in case someone more distinguished than you has been invited. Then the host who invited both of you will come and tell you, ‘Give this man your seat.’ And in humiliation, you will have to take the last place. But when you are invited, go and sit in the last place, so that your host will come and tell you, ‘Friend, move up to a better place.’ Then you will be honored in front of everyone at the table with you. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” |
| 9 | Daniel 4:30–32 | the king exclaimed, “Is this not Babylon the Great, which I myself have built by the might of my power as a royal residence and for the glory of my majesty?” While the words were still in the king’s mouth, a voice came from heaven: “It is decreed to you, King Nebuchadnezzar, that the kingdom has departed from you. You will be driven away from mankind to live with the beasts of the field, and you will feed on grass like an ox. And seven times will pass you by, until you acknowledge that the Most High rules over the kingdom of mankind and gives it to whom He wishes.” |
Proverbs 11:2 Summary
[This verse teaches us that when we have a proud attitude, it will ultimately lead to shame and humiliation, but when we are humble, we will gain wisdom and understanding. This is because humility allows us to recognize our limitations and dependence on God, as seen in Proverbs 9:10. By seeking to cultivate humility in our hearts, we can avoid the dangers of pride and instead walk in wisdom and obedience to God, as encouraged in 1 Peter 5:6. As we strive to live out this verse, let us remember that humility is not about thinking less of ourselves, but about thinking of ourselves less, and instead focusing on God's greatness and goodness.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the relationship between pride and disgrace in this verse?
According to Proverbs 11:2, when pride comes, disgrace follows, indicating that a proud attitude will ultimately lead to shame and humiliation, as also seen in Proverbs 16:18, which says that pride goes before destruction.
How does humility lead to wisdom?
Humility leads to wisdom because it allows us to recognize our limitations and dependence on God, as stated in Proverbs 9:10, which says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and in Psalm 25:9, which says that God guides the humble in what is right.
Is this verse saying that all proud people will be disgraced and all humble people will be wise?
While this verse does establish a general principle that pride leads to disgrace and humility leads to wisdom, it is not a guarantee for every individual, as other factors such as God's sovereignty and mercy also come into play, as seen in Romans 9:15-16, which reminds us that God's ways are not our ways.
How can we apply this verse to our everyday lives?
We can apply this verse by recognizing the dangers of pride and actively seeking to cultivate humility in our hearts, as encouraged in 1 Peter 5:6, which says that we should humble ourselves under God's mighty hand, and in Matthew 23:12, which says that those who humble themselves will be exalted.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I struggle with pride, and how can I begin to humble myself in those areas?
- How has pride led to disgrace in my own life or in the lives of those around me, and what can I learn from those experiences?
- What are some practical ways I can cultivate humility, such as seeking feedback from others or acknowledging my limitations?
- How can I balance confidence and humility, recognizing that God has given me abilities and talents while also acknowledging my dependence on Him?
Gill's Exposition 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,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 11:2
When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom. (When) pride cometh, then cometh shame - a play upon like sounds in Hebrew ( zaadown (H2087), kalon (G2570)).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 11:2
When pride cometh, then cometh shame; pride, as it is the effect of folly, so it bringeth a man to contempt and destruction, such persons being commonly hated both by God and by all men. With the lowly is wisdom; whereby they are kept from those foolish and wicked actions which expose men to shame.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 11:2
Proverbs 11:2 [When] pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly [is] wisdom.Ver. 2. When pride cometh.] Where pride is in the saddle, shame is on the crupper, tanquam Nemesis a tergo. He is a "proud fool," saith our English proverb. Proud persons, while they leave their standing and would rise above the top of their places, fail of their footing, and fall to the bottom. But with the lowly is wisdom.] Which maketh the face to shine. Pride proceeds from folly, and procures contempt. But "God gives grace to the humble"; that is, as some sense it, good repute and report among men. Who am I? saith Moses; and yet who fitter than he to go to Pharaoh? He refused to be Pharaoh’ s daughter’ s son; he was afterwards called to be Pharaoh’ s god. Aben Ezra observes, that the word here rendered "lowly," signifies "bashful," "shame faced," Qui prae verecundia sese abdunt, that thrust not themselves into observation.
The hmnble man, were it not that the fragrant smell of his many virtues betrays him to the world, would choose to live and die in his self-contenting secrecy. Hence humility is by Bernard compared to the violet, which grows low to the ground, and hangs the head downward, and, besides, hides itself with its own leaves.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 11:2
(2) Then cometh shame.—For they have not the grace of God to keep them from falling. (See above on Proverbs 6:17.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 11:2
Verse 2. When pride cometh] The proud man thinks much more of himself than any other can do; and, expecting to be treated according to his own supposed worth, which treatment he seldom meets with, he is repeatedly mortified, ashamed, confounded, and rendered indignant. With the lowly] צנועים tsenuim, ταπεινων, the humble, the modest, as opposed to the proud, referred to in the first clause. The humble man looks for nothing but justice; has the meanest opinion of himself; expects nothing in the way of commendation or praise; and can never be disappointed but in receiving praise, which he neither expects nor desires.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 11:2
2. wisdom] We should rather have expected honour, as a parallel to shame in the first clause. But wisdom is the root of honour. Comp. Proverbs 15:33, Proverbs 18:12.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 11:2
A rabbinic paraphrase of the second clause is: “Lowly souls become full of wisdom as the low place becomes full of water.”
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 11:2
2. When pride cometh — The Hebrew is abrupt and forcible: “Pride comes, then comes contempt.” The proud man is contemptible in the eyes of those who see him boiling over (this is the Hebrew idea)
Sermons on Proverbs 11:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Perils of Pride by C.J. Mahaney | This sermon emphasizes the importance of surrendering to God and highlights the struggle with pride as a hindrance to humility. The speaker shares personal experiences and practica |
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Attitudes on Pride by Jim Logan | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of receiving criticism as a leader. They emphasize the importance of not having a critical spirit and being open to feedback. The sp |
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Pitfalls in Ministry by Michael L. Brown by Micheal L. Brown | This sermon emphasizes the importance of humility, teachability, and staying low before the Lord to avoid falling into moral failures or leading a double life. It highlights the ne |
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Eight Ways of Deceiving Ourselves - Part 2 by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the danger of falling away from the faith by being deceived by spirits, highlighting the importance of humility and a pure heart in understanding divine wisd |
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The Benefits of Wisdom by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith emphasizes the importance of wisdom and understanding in one's life. He encourages listeners to seek wisdom and not to forsake the instructions o |
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If My People Humble Themselves - Part 2 by Shane Idleman | This sermon delves into the destructive nature of pride, highlighting personal struggles with pride and the impact it has on relationships, families, and spiritual life. It emphasi |
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Pilgrim's Progress - What We Learn From It by Zac Poonen | This sermon reflects on the timeless wisdom found in the Christian classic 'Pilgrim's Progress' by John Bunyan, highlighting the author's humility and God's honor upon his work. It |