The lowly in spirit gain honor
Proverbs 29:23 - God wants us interacting humbly with our fellow humans, not being boastful or pretending we’re better than others.
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“Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor.”
Proverbs 29:23 NIV
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Today’s proverb brings us back to a very common theme throughout Scripture: the need to show humility in our lives as followers of Christ. In the New Testament, we find references to the wisdom literature (Proverbs) in James 4:6, where James hearkens back to Proverbs 3:34 (“He mocks proud mockers but shows favor to the humble and oppressed.”), and in 1 Peter 5:5 where the same proverb is cited.
God mocks proud mockers — He resists the proud. Eventually, pride results in the downfall of a person. In Isaiah 14:13-15, we see how Satan’s pride and desire to rise higher than God resulted in his downfall:
“You said in your heart, “I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of Mount Zaphon. I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.” But you are brought down to the realm of the dead, to the depths of the pit.”
The ancient Hebrew word for pride is גַּאֲוָה (ga’ăvâ), which comes from the root word גָּאָה (gā’â) meaning “to rise up, grow up, be exalted in triumph”. From these words it is obvious that pride is the antithesis of humility.
The verse goes on to tell the reader that “the lowly in spirit gain honor.” In His grace, God blesses the humble (lowly) in spirit so they gain and retain honor. In a commentary cited in Enduring Word, Matthew Poole noted that:
“Thus honour, like a shadow, flees from them that pursue it, and follows them who flee from it.”1
In the context of Solomon’s time, the culture emphasized humility and reliance on God rather than being self-reliant. There are examples in the prophecy literature such as the fall of King Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 4 that illustrate how pride can lead to a tremendous fall in status, in this case the king falling to the point that he is living with animals and eating grass! Pride is a sin that divides us from God, placing love of self above His authority.
On the other hand, humility is virtuous. It leads to favor with God! Humility also leads to good relationships, both personal and in communities, so the gist of this proverb has both spiritual and practical application. God wants us interacting humbly with our fellow humans, not being boastful or pretending we’re better than others.
Heaven On Wheels Daily Prayer:
Today’s prayer comes from Knowing Jesus:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your words of wisdom, warning, encouragement, and exhortation in the Scriptures. I pray that I may take to heart all that You would teach me. Keep me from prideful ways and I pray that in Christ, I may grow in grace and humility of heart - and that my life becomes a reflection of the character of Christ to Your praise and glory. In Jesus’ name I pray, AMEN.
Scripture quotations taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica US, Inc.®. Used by permission.
Commentary quotations from Enduring Word are used with the written permission of the author
BibleHub was accessed on September 25, 2025 for commentary on Proverbs 29:23
Poole, Matthew “A Commentary on the Holy Bible” Volume 2 (Psalms-Malachi) (London: Banner of Truth Trust, 1968)