In this illustration the person of wealth takes confidence in, trusts in, relies upon, whatever he thinks is his strength. The New International Version renders this series of verses as:
The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. The wealth of the rich is their fortified city; they imagine it an unscalable wall. Before his downfall a man's heart is proud, but humility comes before [or precedes] honor.
Men may give the proud man honor, but real honor is preceded by humility, not by pride.
John W. Ritenbaugh
Faith (Part Seven)
When one has a relationship with God, humility precedes honor, riches, and eternal life itself. Humility is a prerequisite to receiving the blessings only God can give, the kind that will prepare and equip us for His service now and in the Kingdom to come. If we are not humbled, we will not submit. No submission means no obedience; no obedience, no preparation; no preparation, no honor, exaltation, or glory. One would have lived life in vain.
John W. Ritenbaugh
The Sovereignty of God: Part Nine
These verses express a consistent biblical principle regarding pride. Pride springs from an unjustified sense of well-being, wealth, or strength. The righteous are justified in looking to the Lord for safety, but the wealthy and proud man falls to his destruction because, in his perverted judgment, his confidence is in the wrong place.
John W. Ritenbaugh
Pride, Contention, and Unity
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