Proverbs 11:2
What does Proverbs 11:2 mean?
A plain-English look at Proverbs 11:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Proverbs 11:2 means
This proverb draws a stark contrast between pride and humility, highlighting their respective consequences. Pride, characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance and arrogance, inevitably leads to shame and dishonor. The imagery suggests that as pride makes its appearance, shame follows close behind, like an unwelcome shadow. Conversely, the verse declares that wisdom is found with the humble. Humility involves a realistic self-assessment, an openness to learning, and a recognition of one's dependence on God. This posture of lowliness and teachability is presented as the direct path to true understanding and discernment, a key theme throughout the book of Proverbs.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000When pride cometh, then cometh shame; But with the lowly is wisdom.
KJV
King James Version · 1611When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901When pride cometh, then cometh shame; But with the lowly is wisdom.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949When pride comes, there comes shame, but wisdom is with the quiet in spirit.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Pride hath come, and shame cometh, And with the lowly <FI>is<Fi> wisdom.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Where pride is, there also shall be reproach: but where humility is, there also is wisdom.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890[When] pride cometh, then cometh shame; but with the lowly is wisdom.
Context
Proverbs 11 is largely a collection of antithetical proverbs, contrasting the righteous and the wicked, and exploring the outcomes of their choices. This verse fits seamlessly into that pattern, directly contrasting pride and humility. It precedes and follows other proverbs that emphasize integrity, righteousness, and the benefits of wise living, while warning against the dangers of deceit and folly. The chapter, like much of Proverbs, is meant to instruct young people on the path of wisdom, and this verse specifically addresses the internal character traits that lead to either flourishing or ruin.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Proverbs 29:23
A man’s pride shall bring him low; But he that is of a lowly spirit shall obtain honor.
- Proverbs 3:34
Surely he scoffeth at the scoffers; But he giveth grace unto the lowly.
- Luke 14:8
When thou art bidden of any man to a marriage feast, sit not down in the chief seat; lest haply a more honorable man than thou be bidden of him,
- 1 Corinthians 8:1
Now concerning things sacrificed to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but love edifieth.
- Daniel 4:30
The king spake and said, Is not this great Babylon, which I have built for the royal dwelling-place, by the might of my power and for the glory of my majesty?
- Proverbs 15:33
The fear of Jehovah is the instruction of wisdom; And before honorgoethhumility.
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