Old Testament
Proverbs 16:18
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.
Compare translations
Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
What Proverbs 16:18 means
Plain-English insight for readers
This verse warns that pride can lead to one's downfall. When someone is overly proud or arrogant, they often ignore wise counsel and make poor decisions. The imagery of destruction and a fall suggests that such attitudes can lead to serious consequences, both personally and in relationships with others. It serves as a reminder that humility is essential for success and stability. Instead of elevating oneself above others, it is wiser to remain grounded and open to learning. The verse emphasizes that a haughty spirit, which is characterized by arrogance and disdain for others, is a precursor to failure. In essence, this proverb teaches that recognizing our limitations and valuing humility can protect us from the pitfalls of pride.
How to apply Proverbs 16:18 to your life
To avoid the pitfalls of pride, practice humility in daily life. Acknowledge your limitations and be open to feedback from others. Surround yourself with wise counsel and remember that everyone has something valuable to teach you. This approach can lead to better decisions and healthier relationships.
Curated for this public verse page. Proverbs Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Israel Enslaved in Egypt (Exodus 1:8–22)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Moses
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Proverbs 16:18
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Fuller verse explanations
Explore what a verse means, what was happening around it, and how it connects to other Bible passages.
Plain Meaning
The verse states two things that go together: pride comes right before destruction, and a haughty spirit comes right before a fall. A haughty spirit means thinking too highly of yourself. The point is that this kind of self-importance does not protect a person — it leads them straight toward ruin. The two lines say the same thing twice for emphasis: pride sets you up to be brought down.
The full Clear view adds what to notice, common misreadings, and the passage that best explains this one — for Proverbs 16:18 and any verse in the Bible.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Proverbs 16:18
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Proverbs
- Author
- Primarily Solomon, with other contributors
- Written
- Around 950-700 BC
- Genre
- Wisdom literature
- Original Audience
- Young people and all seeking wisdom
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Proverbs 16:18 mean in simple terms?
Proverbs 16:18 means that being overly proud or arrogant can lead to serious consequences, such as failure or destruction. It highlights the importance of humility and being open to learning from others, as pride often blinds us to wise advice and can result in poor decisions.
How can I apply the lesson of Proverbs 16:18 in my life?
To apply the lesson of Proverbs 16:18, practice humility by acknowledging your limitations and being receptive to feedback. Surround yourself with wise individuals who can offer guidance, and strive to remain grounded. This mindset can help you make better choices and foster healthier relationships.
What are the consequences of pride according to Proverbs 16:18?
According to Proverbs 16:18, the consequences of pride include personal destruction and failure. A haughty spirit can lead to a downfall, as it often results in ignoring wise counsel and making unwise decisions. This verse serves as a warning to remain humble to avoid such negative outcomes.
Why is humility important as mentioned in Proverbs 16:18?
Humility is important as mentioned in Proverbs 16:18 because it allows individuals to recognize their limitations and be open to learning from others. This attitude helps prevent the arrogance that can lead to poor decisions and ultimately, failure. Embracing humility fosters better relationships and personal growth.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.