Before - In the sense of priority of time.

Before destruction - See on Proverbs 11:2 (note); Proverbs 16:18 (note).

Before destruction the heart of man is haughty,.... Lifted up with his riches. Rich men are apt to be highminded, and therefore are to be charged and cautioned against it; they are apt to look above their poor neighbours, and with contempt upon them; and very often this haughtiness of theirs is a presage of their ruin and destruction: and those haughty airs are put on from the pride of their hearts, when a "breach" is near, as the word (u) signifies, or when they are ready to break; however, their haughty spirits are, sooner or later, humbled by one distressing providence or another; see Proverbs 16:18;

and before honour is humility; See Gill on Proverbs 15:33.

(u) "ante confractionem", Junius & Tremellius, Piscator, Cocceius, Schultens.

We place together Proverbs 18:12-19, in which the figure of a secure fortress returns:

Proverbs 18:12

This proverb is connected with the preceding of the rich man who trusts in his mammon.

Before destruction the heat of man is haughty;

And humility goeth before honour.

Line first is a variation of Proverbs 16:18, and line second is similar to Proverbs 15:33.

Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.

12. (Compare Pr 15:33; 16:18).

18:4. The well-spring of wisdom in the heart of a believer, continually supplies words of wisdom. 5. The merits of a cause must be looked to, not the person. 6,7. What mischief bad men do to themselves by their ungoverned tongues! 8. How base are those that sow contention! and what fatal effects may be expected from small beginnings of jealousy! 9. Omissions of duty, and in duty, are fatal to the soul, as well as commissions of sin. 10,11. The Divine power, made known in and through our Lord Jesus Christ, forms a strong tower for the believer, who relies on the Lord. How deceitful the defence of the rich man, who has his portion and treasure in this world! It is a strong city and a high wall only in his own conceit; for it will fail when most in need. They will be exposed to the just wrath of that Judge whom they despised as a Saviour. 12. After the heart has been lifted up with pride, a fall comes. But honour shall be the reward of humility. 13. Eagerness, with self-conceit, will expose to shame. 14. Firmness of mind supports under many pains and trials. But when the conscience is tortured with remorse, no human fortitude can bear the misery; what then will hell be? 15. We must get knowledge, not only into our heads, but into our hearts. 16. Blessed be the Lord, who makes us welcome to come to his throne, without money and without price. May his gifts make room for him in our souls.