"The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honor is humility."
Proverbs 15:33
“The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom;”
The Hebrew word translated “instruction” means, “discipline, chastening, correction.”1 Wisdom is gleaned by fearing the LORD. Proper worship and respect of God are where wisdom and knowledge begin (Proverbs 9:10).
“Wisdom derives its most important lessons from the fear of God. He who fears God much, is well taught,”2 (Clarke).
“And before honor is humility.”
Humility comes first, then, eventually is honor. This principle seems to be lost on young people set on instant gratification but appreciated by those men and women with some years on them. Recognition is not automatic just because someone has done the time.
“…God exalts no one but them that are truly humbled,” (Geneva Bible).
The Bible gives many examples of this principle. Here are a few.
Joseph was humbled in prison before he was honored as the prime minister of Egypt (Genesis 41).
The centurion humbly bowed before Jesus before his servant was healed (Matthew 8).
Jesus suffered humiliation before He was glorified with His Father (Luke 24:26; 1 Peter 1:11).
Jesus taught us that the way up is the way down. And the one who will be first must know what it means to be last.
1. Brown, Driver, Briggs. Brown-Driver-Briggs’ Hebrew Definitions, the electronic version in eSword.
2. Adam Clarke, Adam Clarke’s Commentary on the Bible, the electronic version in eSword.