Proverbs 18:12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.
The word “haughty” refers to arrogance, self-exaltation, or pride, an inflated view of oneself and a disregard for others or for God. The “heart” in Hebrew thought is not just the seat of emotion, but the core of thinking, willing, and desiring. A haughty heart is one where pride has infected the deepest inner life of a person.
‘Before destruction…’ This pride is presented as a predictor or precursor to destruction. It’s a downward moral spiral: pride leads people to overestimate themselves, ignore warnings, and resist correction, making destruction inevitable. Pride blinds. Pride isolates. Pride hardens. Then comes the fall.
‘Before honour is humility.’ The counterpart to destruction is honour, which here implies public recognition, blessing, promotion, and favour, especially from God. The road to such honour is not pride, but humility, a low view of oneself in relation to God, and a willingness to submit, serve, and obey. Humility opens the heart to wisdom, growth, a relationship with God, and favour before man.
Jesus emphasised this principle repeatedly: “Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled, and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted” (Matt. 23:12)
To be continued…
Living the Word 