Proverbs 15:33

33 Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the LORD, and humility comes before honor.

Proverbs 15:33 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
33 The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.
English Standard Version (ESV)
33 The fear of the LORD is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor.
New Living Translation (NLT)
33 Fear of the LORD teaches wisdom; humility precedes honor.
The Message Bible (MSG)
33 Fear-of-God is a school in skilled living - first you learn humility, then you experience glory.
American Standard Version (ASV)
33 The fear of Jehovah is the instruction of wisdom; And before honor [goeth] humility.
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
33 The fear of the LORD is discipline [leading to] wisdom, and humility comes before honor.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
33 The fear of the Lord is wisdom's instruction, and humility comes before honor.
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
33 Having respect for the LORD teaches you how to live wisely. So don't be proud if you want to be honored.

Proverbs 15:33 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 15:33

The fear of the Lord [is] the instruction of wisdom
It is "the beginning of wisdom", ( Proverbs 9:10 ) ; it leads unto it, instructs a man in it; by means of it he attains to true spiritual and evangelical wisdom; it teaches him to abstain from sin, and to serve the Lord; and to seek the salvation of his soul in the way God has appointed, which is by his Son Jesus Christ, which to do is the highest wisdom; and before honour [is] humility;
the fear of God and humility go together, where the one is the other is; and as the one is the way to wisdom, the other is the way to glory; Christ's humiliation was before his exaltation; men are first humbled and laid low in their own eyes, and then they are raised out of their low estate, and are set among princes; and shall inherit the throne of glory, being made kings and priests unto God; it is a frequent saying of Christ's, "he that humbleth himself shall be exalted", ( Luke 14:11 ) ; such an one is raised to a high estate of grace, and at last to eternal glory.

Proverbs 15:33 In-Context

31 Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise.
32 Those who disregard discipline despise themselves, but the one who heeds correction gains understanding.
33 Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the LORD, and humility comes before honor.

Cross References 2

  • 1. S Proverbs 1:7
  • 2. Proverbs 16:18; Proverbs 18:12; Proverbs 22:4; Proverbs 29:23; Isaiah 66:2
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