Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 15:33, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.
American Standard Version
The fear of Jehovah is the instruction of wisdom; And before honor [goeth] humility.
World English Bible version
The fear of Yahweh teaches wisdom. Before honor is humility.
Proverbs 15:33 Meaning & Commentary
The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor. – Proverbs 15:33 (ESV)
The Bible is filled with principles for godly success and righteous living. The fear of The Lord is the ‘pathway’ or the ‘road’ to wisdom: Proverbs 9:10 – The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. What does it matter if we puff ourselves up with knowledge and acquire ‘wisdom’ according to the world, but we miss what really matters, knowing God and walking with Him while loving people? There is a difference between true, godly wisdom and the wisdom of this world: James 3:17 – But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.
The fear of The Lord is not fear, as in terror – but godly reverence, and is the ‘foundation’ for true godly wisdom. It ‘instructs’ us in what is right and wrong and ‘protects’ us from evil and selfish wisdom. Furthermore, the book of Job tells us that the fear of The Lord is wisdom: Job 28:28 -And he said to man, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.’
The second part of Proverbs 15:33 says that “humility comes before honor.” Humility is the opposite of pride, which is not pleasing to God. The Bible tells us that God resists a proud person: 1 Peter 5:5 – Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
The Bible says that if anyone serves Jesus, God honors Him: John 12:26 – If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him. It takes humility to serve Jesus; someone filled with pride certainly wouldn’t do it!
Application
How can we apply Proverbs 15:33 to our lives?
There are two keys found in Proverbs 15:33 – they are the fear of The Lord and humility. This is, therefore, what we should be pursuing. As we pursue these two ‘things,’ we will find ourselves reaping the ‘benefits’ spoken of in the verse, namely wisdom, and honor. How do we go about acquiring the fear of The Lord and humility?
Firstly, the fear of The Lord is developed by turning away from evil, praying to God for it, and drawing closer to Him. Proverbs 3:7 – Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. This works both ways, meaning that as the fear of The Lord grows in our lives, we desire to turn away from evil. However, as we turn away from evil, we also position ourselves to receive more of the fear of The Lord in our lives. The Bible tells us to ‘work out’ our salvation: Philippians 2:12 – Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling…
Furthermore, as with anything, we can pray to God and ask Him to increase it in our lives. As for growing in humility, The Bible tells us to humble ourselves – this is not something God can do for us. This means that we are to focus on other people, not being conceited and thinking about ourselves all the time: Philippians 2:3 – Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Therefore, humility is not thinking less of ourselves but thinking of ourselves less!
Jesus Christ is our ultimate example: Philippians 2:5-9 – Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name…
Prayer
Mighty God, I pray right now and ask for the fear of The Lord and wisdom. Let the fear of The Lord burn brightly in my heart and keep me walking close to You all the days of my life. I’m sorry for where I might have exalted myself in my heart.
Help me walk in humility and esteem others more significant than me. Help me be Christ-like in thought and deed. I ask this all in Jesus’ name. Amen!
I like when you said ” humility is not thinking less of ourselves, but thinking of ourselves less.” We tend to be selfish by nature. Focusing on loving others helps me overcome this tendency. It does take a lot of humility, but praise God it does me good. I’m daily studying the Word of God to learn and apply, so it helps me find good biblical teachers on Google.
Thanks