Bible Strands
Proverbs 15:33
The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom, and humility comes before honor.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Solomon addresses the student within the wisdom tradition, closing the immediate context on the value of accepting correction.
The words — The Hebrew מוּסַר (mu.Sar) means correction or discipline, directly tying the fear of Yahweh (יִרְאַ֣ת יְ֭הוָה) to the acquisition of wisdom (חָכְמָ֑ה).
The thread — This sequence appears in Proverbs 1:7 where fear of the Lord initiates knowledge, in Proverbs 18:12 where humility precedes honor, and in 1 Peter 5:5 where believers are instructed to clothe themselves with humility.
Why it lands — The text requires readers to actively pursue reverence for God and a lowly posture as the direct prerequisites for gaining wisdom and receiving honor.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.
Cross-references
- Proverbs 18:12 Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.
- 1 Peter 5:5 Young men, in the same way, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
- Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
- Psalms 34:11 Come, children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
- James 4:10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.
- Psalms 111:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts gain rich understanding. His praise endures forever!
- 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.’”
- Proverbs 25:6 Do not exalt yourself in the presence of the king, and do not stand in the place of great men;
- Proverbs 29:23 A man’s pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor.
- Proverbs 8:13 To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate arrogant pride, evil conduct, and perverse speech.