Pride goes before a fall

Pride goes before a fall is a paraphrase of an ancient Hebrew proverb, designed to warn that excessive pride will often cause one to fall or fail. Another variant on this quotation is Pride comes before the fall.

Overview

The full text of Proverbs 16:18: "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall." (New International version)

• If interpreted as a warning against sin, this proverb refers to the tendency of the prideful soul to forget AbOUT its dependence on and subordinate position to God. This May Be considered the traditional (sacred) interpretation of the passage.

• If interpreted as a warning against hubris, this proverb could refer to the tendency of excessive pride to encourage one to assume abilities based on supposed success at other, possibly unrelated, activities. This may be considered the modern (secular) interpretation of the passage.

In Literature

This phrase is also the moral of the story The Nun's Priest's Tale by Geoffrey Chaucer.

See also

• Hubris
• Victory Disease