The first line of this proverb states the central truth of the book of Proverbs, as is seen from the introduction to the book (chapters 1 to 9). The second line is wonderfully true of our Lord Jesus Christ, who, “being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death – even death on a cross! Therefore [!] God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name” (Philippians 2:6–9).
33 The fear of the LORD is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor.