Proverbs 18:12 Meaning and Explanation
“Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Arrogance precedes ruin; humility precedes honor.
The Context of Proverbs 18:12
Pride precedes destruction; humility precedes honor.
What Does Proverbs 18:12 Mean?
Destruction is preceded by a haughty heart—pride and arrogance are the harbingers of collapse. The proud person, having become inflated with self-regard, is already on the path downward. Spiritual law ensures that pride comes before a fall.
Conversely, honor is preceded by humility. Those who humble themselves, who recognize their dependence on others and on God, prepare the way for honor. Genuine esteem comes to the humble, not to those who seize it.
Proverbs 18:12 in the Original Language
haughty (גָּבַהּ, gavah), 'to be high' or 'to be exalted' — to rise up with pride above others and above reality.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 18:12
What does Proverbs 18:12 mean?
Arrogance precedes ruin; humility precedes honor.
What is the context of Proverbs 18:12?
Pride precedes destruction; humility precedes honor.