Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 11:2, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.
American Standard Version
When pride cometh, then cometh shame; But with the lowly is wisdom.
World English Bible version
When pride comes, then comes shame, but with humility comes wisdom.
Proverbs 11:2 Meaning & Commentary
In this scripture, we see two different qualities of character or traits that we find in people and what those traits or characteristics bring with them. First is pride, and then is humility. The Bible says that pride comes first and then disgrace after that. This same idea is seen elsewhere in The Bible: Proverbs 16:18 Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall. We are warned to never walk in pride because this can cause us to be at risk of falling: 1 Corinthians 10:12 Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.
So, the person walking in pride is not far from a fall and the disgrace that usually accompanies a fall. A proud person will think and feel that they know it all, do not need God, do not need others, and could be at risk of falling! A humble person, however, is not someone who thinks poorly of themselves but recognizes their need for God. They will therefore seek God’s guidance, seek His help, as well as seek wisdom and knowledge from other people. This is why the humble person will always carry at least a degree of wisdom. Because they recognize their need for God, they will cling tightly to Him, and this will cause wisdom to flow into their lives.
The Bible says that God gives Grace to the humble but resists the proud: James 4:6 But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” How can we expect to walk in true victory and humility with God’s Grace in our lives? Likewise, how can we attain God’s wisdom in our lives if God resists us? As we humble ourselves under God, he will empower us with Grace and impart His wisdom to us as we ask Him to!
Application
How can we practically apply Proverbs 11:2 to our lives?
We need to humble ourselves before God so that he can extend Grace to us and lift us up: 1 Peter 5:-6-7 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. As we humble ourselves, God promises that he will give us Grace, as stated in James 4:6. The Bible says that if we ask for Wisdom, God will surely grant it to us: James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
The Bible makes it clear in 1 Peter 5:-7 that the responsibility is on us to humble ourselves. One of the most practical ways The Bible gives us to humble ourselves is through prayer and fasting: Psalm 69:10-12 When I wept and humbled my soul with fasting, it became my reproach. When I made sackcloth my clothing, I became a byword to them. I am the talk of those who sit in the gate, and the drunkards make songs about me. 2 Chronicles 7:14 if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
So, if we feel that we are falling or have fallen into pride, The Bible prescribes prayer and fasting as a cure for pride! Pride is a matter of the heart, and only true humility comes from God! Also, we choose to surround ourselves with people walking in humility, that too will rub off on us, and we will be inspired to go deeper in God! Proverbs 27:17 Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.
Prayer
Mighty God, I come today and choose to humble myself before you. I ask that you create in me a pure and humble heart. I choose right now to humble myself, and I ask for wisdom. Please surround me with people of humility who would inspire and encourage me to walk in a greater degree of humility. I pray that if I ever begin to slip into pride, you would show me the path I am on and that I may humble myself before disgrace comes upon me. I ask this all in Jesus’ name. Amen!
