What is the meaning of Proverbs 11:2? When pride comes Pride signals a heart turned inward, assuming self–sufficiency and sidelining God’s authority. Scripture treats pride as a warning flare: • Proverbs 16:18 says, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall”. • James 4:6 reminds us, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” • Nebuchadnezzar’s story in Daniel 4 shows how quickly a king’s arrogance met divine correction. The moment pride enters, we have already stepped away from the safety of God’s wisdom. disgrace follows The verse tells us the outcome is not merely discomfort but disgrace—public exposure of what pride tried to hide. • Proverbs 29:23 notes, “A man’s pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor.” • King Uzziah’s leprosy in 2 Chronicles 26:16–21 is a sobering picture of honor turning to shame when pride sets in. • Even Peter’s boasting in Matthew 26:33–75 collapsed into bitter weeping once his confidence in himself replaced reliance on Christ. Disgrace is the natural harvest of self–exaltation; God lets the mask slip so that both we and others see the folly of trusting in ourselves. but with humility Humility is not groveling; it is accurate self-assessment before a holy God. It actively submits to God’s Word and values others. • Micah 6:8 calls us “to walk humbly with your God.” • Jesus blesses “the poor in spirit” in Matthew 5:3 because they know their need. • Philippians 2:3-5 urges believers to adopt Christ’s mindset, counting others as more significant than themselves. Humility is the posture that keeps us teachable, grateful, and open to correction. comes wisdom Wisdom arrives hand in hand with humility because the humble are willing to listen, learn, and obey. • Proverbs 15:33 affirms, “The fear of the LORD is wisdom’s instruction, and humility comes before honor.” • James 3:13-17 distinguishes earthly pride-driven “wisdom” from the “wisdom from above” that is “pure, peace-loving, considerate.” • Solomon asked for understanding rather than glory (1 Kings 3:7-12) and was granted unparalleled wisdom, illustrating how lowliness invites heaven’s insight. True wisdom is God-given, and He entrusts it to those who acknowledge their dependence on Him. summary Proverbs 11:2 sets up a clear contrast. Pride walks in the door first and disgrace trudges in right behind it; humility welcomes wisdom, and wisdom brings honor. The verse is a call to choose the low road that leads upward, trusting that God’s Word is accurate and literal: exalt yourself and you will be humbled; humble yourself and He will lift you up. |
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