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Proverbs 29:23
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- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
Pro 29:23 passes from anger to haughtiness: A man's pride will bring him low; But the lowly attaineth to honour. Thus we translate תּתמך כּבוד (Lat. honorem obtinet) in accord with Pro 11:16, and שׁפל־רוּח with Pro 16:19, where, however, שׁפל is not adj. as here, but inf. The haughty man obscures the honour which he has by this, that he boasts immeasurably of it, and aspires yet more after it; the lowly man, on the other hand, obtains honour without his seeking it, honour before God and before men, which would be of no worth were it not connected with the honour before God. The lxx: τοὺς δὲ ταπεινόφρονας ἐπείδει δόξῃ κύριους. This κύριους is indeed not contrary to the sense, but it is opposed to the style. Why the 24th verse should now follow is, as regards the contents and the expression, hard to say; but one observes that Pro 29:22-27 follow each other, beginning with the successive letters of the alphabet א (ב), ג, ח, ח, ר, ת (ת).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
(Compare Pro 16:18; Pro 18:12). honour . . . spirit--or, "such shall lay hold on honor" (Pro 11:16).
John Gill Bible Commentary
A man's pride shall bring him low,.... As the pride of Adam, in affecting to be as gods, knowing good and evil; he lost the image of God; was brought into a state of darkness and ignorance, into debt and to a dunghill, to beggary and rags; filled with loathsome diseases, and left in thraldom and bondage to sin and Satan; and so all his posterity were brought into the same low estate. This might be exemplified in particular persons, in Pharaoh, Nebuchadnezzar, Herod, and others; and, as will be in that monster of pride, the man of sin and antichrist; who will be humbled and brought low in the midst of his pride and boasting, Rev 18:7; but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit; not who are humble in appearance only, or merely in words, having a show of humility, a voluntary and affected one; but really in their hearts; whose spirits are humble and contrite; who are so in spiritual things, and are made so by the Spirit of God: they are such who are truly sensible of sin; of their folly, and want of spiritual knowledge; of their impotence, and weakness to do anything that is spiritually good; of their spiritual poverty, and want of righteousness; who see that salvation is all of grace; and that whatever they have is owing to the grace of God; that they are deficient in all their duties, and these insufficient to justify them before God; who submit to the righteousness of Christ, and give all the glory of salvation to the grace of God. These, as they are honourable, being clothed with humility, which is itself an ornament of great price; so they are honoured with more grace from the Lord; they are beautified with the garments of salvation; they have the honour to have the spiritual and gracious presence of God, and fellowship with him, who dwells with such as are of an humble spirit: these are the meek and lowly, that shall inherit the new earth, and reign as kings with Christ in it; and the poor in spirit, to whom the kingdom of heaven belongs: and this honour is durable, they shall always abide in it; the grace they have, which makes them glorious, springs up unto eternal life; and the glory they shall have is an eternal weight of glory, a crown of glory that fadeth not away: for so the words may be rendered, "the humble in spirit shall lay hold on glory" (z) or "honour"; possess it and enjoy it: or rather "shall retain" (a) it; shall hold it fast, as the word is translated in Pro 3:18; The sum of the proverb, in both parts, is the same with the words of Christ, often used by him, Mat 23:12. (z) "assequetur gloriam", Montanus; "potietur gloria", Vatablus. (a) "Tenebit honorem", Piscator; "tenebit gloriam", Mercerus, Cocceius, Michaelis; "apprehendit gloriam", Shultens.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
This agrees with what Christ said more than once, 1. That those who exalt themselves shall be abased. Those that think to gain respect by lifting up themselves above their rank, by looking high, talking big, appearing fine, and applauding themselves, will on the contrary expose themselves to contempt, lose their reputation, and provoke God by humbling providences to bring them down and lay them low. 2. That those who humble themselves shall be exalted, and shall be established in their dignity: Honour shall uphold the humble in spirit; their humility is their honour, and that shall make them truly and safely great, and recommend them to the esteem of all that are wise and good.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
29:23 See 6:17-18; 11:2; 13:10; 15:33; 16:18-19; 18:12; 19:20; 22:4.
Proverbs 29:23
The Flourishing of the Righteous
22An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered man abounds in transgression. 23A man’s pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
2006 Heart-Cry - Question Answer Panel
By Paul Washer14K1:18:13Question AnswerPRO 29:23MAT 6:33HEB 2:3JAS 4:101PE 5:6In this sermon, the preacher criticizes the current state of preaching in evangelicalism, stating that the gospel being preached is not the true gospel. He argues that the message has been reduced to a simplistic formula of "five things God wants you to know" or "four spiritual laws," which does not encompass the full message of Christ's sacrifice and the call to repentance and belief. The preacher emphasizes the importance of studying the Bible and understanding the true gospel. He also encourages pastors to obtain CDs and DVDs of baptisms to witness the transformative power of God in people's lives. Additionally, there is a question raised about confessing sins and seeking a closer walk with God, to which the preacher advises seeking wisdom from an elder and being genuinely burdened for the souls of others.
Attitudes on Pride
By Jim Logan1.6K53:38PrideGEN 16:13PRO 3:6PRO 11:2PRO 16:6PRO 16:18PRO 29:23JER 10:23In 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 speaker also mentions a program in their church where children memorize Bible verses. They discuss the concept of making decisions based on the immediate situation versus considering the bigger picture, using the example of visiting the Rose Parade. The sermon concludes with a reflection on the idea of departing from evil and the impact of being aware of God's presence in our lives.
Pitfalls in Ministry by Michael L. Brown
By Micheal L. Brown1.5K17:42PRO 11:2PRO 15:33PRO 16:18PRO 18:12PRO 22:4PRO 29:231CO 10:12JAS 4:6JAS 4:10This 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 need for genuine dependence on God's grace, prioritizing relationship with the Lord over ministry, maintaining open communication with one's spouse, and avoiding unhealthy patterns that can lead to destructive behaviors. The message underscores the significance of heeding warnings from God and being attentive to caution signs along the spiritual journey.
(Proverbs) ch.16:5 - 17:4
By Zac Poonen1.2K1:00:21PRO 16:7PRO 16:20PRO 29:23In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a little bit of money gained honestly rather than accumulating great wealth through dishonest means. The fear of the Lord is what helps us understand this principle. The speaker also highlights that God wants us to make plans and seek His direction, but He does not always speak to us in the same way as in the Old Testament. As we grow in maturity, God expects us to take responsibility and make decisions based on His principles. The sermon also emphasizes the sovereignty of God over our enemies and the importance of departing from evil and being watchful in our walk with God.
The Power of Purity
By Shane Idleman62148:55PRO 29:23ISA 55:1EZK 34:16MAT 5:8MRK 9:29JHN 7:382CO 6:17EPH 5:26JAS 4:8This sermon emphasizes the power of purity, highlighting the importance of being pure in heart and action as vessels for the Holy Spirit. It discusses the struggle with imperfection and the need to focus on the direction of the heart rather than perfection. The speaker shares personal experiences of lacking spiritual power until fully surrendering to God and being filled with the Holy Spirit, leading to impactful moments like leading someone to the Lord. The sermon also touches on the significance of faith, unity in the body of Christ, and the ability to torment the enemy through spiritual power and purity.
The Deception of Pride
By Shane Idleman1754:59PrideHumility2CH 26:16PRO 13:10PRO 16:18PRO 29:23ISA 57:15DAN 5:20OBA 1:3MAT 23:12JAS 4:61PE 5:6Shane Idleman emphasizes the dangers of pride in his sermon 'The Deception of Pride,' explaining how it can lead to a lack of love, critical attitudes, and a false sense of security. He warns that pride can deceive believers into thinking they are right while ignoring their own faults, ultimately leading to painful consequences in relationships and spiritual life. Shane encourages humility and brokenness as essential for spiritual growth and warns against the prideful mindset that can arise from success or popularity. He calls for self-examination and accountability within the church community to combat pride and maintain a humble spirit before God.
The Web of Pride and Self
By Gary R. Kane0PRO 11:2PRO 16:18PRO 29:23ROM 12:31CO 10:12GAL 6:3PHP 2:3JAS 4:6JAS 4:101PE 5:5Gary R. Kane delivers a powerful sermon on the various manifestations of pride, emphasizing the dangers of self-reliance, control, and questioning one's salvation. He highlights how neglecting God's Word and prayer while trying to help others with an empty heart is a form of pride, as it shows a lack of reliance on God's Spirit. Kane warns against the religious spirit of pride that leads to manipulation, comparison, and seeking attention for selfish ambitions, ultimately hindering true fellowship with God and others.
Pride and Shame or Humility and Wisdom
By Bob Hoekstra0PSA 10:2PSA 19:7PRO 3:35PRO 11:2PRO 29:23ZEP 2:91PE 5:5Bob Hoekstra preaches on the importance of walking in humility rather than pride to receive God's grace and wisdom. Those who walk in pride end up with shame, as seen in the wicked persecuting the poor and those who oppose God's people. In contrast, the humble inherit wisdom and glory, finding honor through God's infallible word.
Step 23 on Mad2 Pride, And, in the Same Step, on Unclean Blasphemous Thoughts.
By St. John Climacus0PSA 138:6PRO 11:2PRO 16:5PRO 16:18PRO 29:23ROM 12:31CO 10:12PHP 2:3JAS 4:61PE 5:5St. John Climacus preaches about the dangers and consequences of pride, describing it as denial of God, the root of various sins, and a hindrance to humility and spiritual growth. He emphasizes the importance of humility, self-examination, and submission to God to overcome pride and avoid falling into sin. St. John Climacus warns against the deceptive nature of pride, highlighting how it can lead to blasphemy, separation from God, and spiritual delusion. He provides insights on the struggles faced by those battling with blasphemous thoughts and offers guidance on seeking deliverance through humility, confession, and reliance on God's mercy.
From the Death of Alexander and Aristobulus to the Banishment of Archelaus
By Flavius Josephus0PSA 37:12PRO 11:2PRO 15:25PRO 16:5PRO 16:18PRO 18:12PRO 21:24PRO 29:23ECC 8:11Flavius Josephus recounts the tumultuous final days of King Herod, who, afflicted with a severe and painful illness as a divine judgment for his sins, becomes increasingly tyrannical and cruel. Amidst a sedition raised by the Jews due to his sacrilegious acts, Herod orders the execution of those who defied him, including the high priest Matthias. Despite his deteriorating health, Herod remains vengeful and paranoid, summoning all Jewish leaders to Jericho and planning their imprisonment as he nears death.
Epistle 397
By George Fox0Spiritual GrowthHumilityGEN 1:272CH 7:14PRO 29:23ISA 57:15MAT 6:25JHN 17:141TI 2:9JAS 4:61PE 1:21JN 2:15George Fox addresses Friends and Brethren, emphasizing the need for spiritual growth away from worldly influences and pride. He highlights the fall of humanity from God's image due to transgression and warns against the dangers of pride and worldly lusts, urging believers to embrace humility and seek the kingdom of God. Fox cites various scriptures to illustrate the consequences of pride and the importance of living a life that reflects Christ's teachings. He encourages Christians to adorn themselves with good works rather than outward appearances, reminding them that true beauty lies in a humble spirit. Ultimately, he calls for a return to the image of God through Christ, urging believers to reject worldly customs and live in accordance with God's will.
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
Pro 29:23 passes from anger to haughtiness: A man's pride will bring him low; But the lowly attaineth to honour. Thus we translate תּתמך כּבוד (Lat. honorem obtinet) in accord with Pro 11:16, and שׁפל־רוּח with Pro 16:19, where, however, שׁפל is not adj. as here, but inf. The haughty man obscures the honour which he has by this, that he boasts immeasurably of it, and aspires yet more after it; the lowly man, on the other hand, obtains honour without his seeking it, honour before God and before men, which would be of no worth were it not connected with the honour before God. The lxx: τοὺς δὲ ταπεινόφρονας ἐπείδει δόξῃ κύριους. This κύριους is indeed not contrary to the sense, but it is opposed to the style. Why the 24th verse should now follow is, as regards the contents and the expression, hard to say; but one observes that Pro 29:22-27 follow each other, beginning with the successive letters of the alphabet א (ב), ג, ח, ח, ר, ת (ת).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
(Compare Pro 16:18; Pro 18:12). honour . . . spirit--or, "such shall lay hold on honor" (Pro 11:16).
John Gill Bible Commentary
A man's pride shall bring him low,.... As the pride of Adam, in affecting to be as gods, knowing good and evil; he lost the image of God; was brought into a state of darkness and ignorance, into debt and to a dunghill, to beggary and rags; filled with loathsome diseases, and left in thraldom and bondage to sin and Satan; and so all his posterity were brought into the same low estate. This might be exemplified in particular persons, in Pharaoh, Nebuchadnezzar, Herod, and others; and, as will be in that monster of pride, the man of sin and antichrist; who will be humbled and brought low in the midst of his pride and boasting, Rev 18:7; but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit; not who are humble in appearance only, or merely in words, having a show of humility, a voluntary and affected one; but really in their hearts; whose spirits are humble and contrite; who are so in spiritual things, and are made so by the Spirit of God: they are such who are truly sensible of sin; of their folly, and want of spiritual knowledge; of their impotence, and weakness to do anything that is spiritually good; of their spiritual poverty, and want of righteousness; who see that salvation is all of grace; and that whatever they have is owing to the grace of God; that they are deficient in all their duties, and these insufficient to justify them before God; who submit to the righteousness of Christ, and give all the glory of salvation to the grace of God. These, as they are honourable, being clothed with humility, which is itself an ornament of great price; so they are honoured with more grace from the Lord; they are beautified with the garments of salvation; they have the honour to have the spiritual and gracious presence of God, and fellowship with him, who dwells with such as are of an humble spirit: these are the meek and lowly, that shall inherit the new earth, and reign as kings with Christ in it; and the poor in spirit, to whom the kingdom of heaven belongs: and this honour is durable, they shall always abide in it; the grace they have, which makes them glorious, springs up unto eternal life; and the glory they shall have is an eternal weight of glory, a crown of glory that fadeth not away: for so the words may be rendered, "the humble in spirit shall lay hold on glory" (z) or "honour"; possess it and enjoy it: or rather "shall retain" (a) it; shall hold it fast, as the word is translated in Pro 3:18; The sum of the proverb, in both parts, is the same with the words of Christ, often used by him, Mat 23:12. (z) "assequetur gloriam", Montanus; "potietur gloria", Vatablus. (a) "Tenebit honorem", Piscator; "tenebit gloriam", Mercerus, Cocceius, Michaelis; "apprehendit gloriam", Shultens.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
This agrees with what Christ said more than once, 1. That those who exalt themselves shall be abased. Those that think to gain respect by lifting up themselves above their rank, by looking high, talking big, appearing fine, and applauding themselves, will on the contrary expose themselves to contempt, lose their reputation, and provoke God by humbling providences to bring them down and lay them low. 2. That those who humble themselves shall be exalted, and shall be established in their dignity: Honour shall uphold the humble in spirit; their humility is their honour, and that shall make them truly and safely great, and recommend them to the esteem of all that are wise and good.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
29:23 See 6:17-18; 11:2; 13:10; 15:33; 16:18-19; 18:12; 19:20; 22:4.