# Is “Pride goes before a fall” in the Bible?

> No. “Pride goes before a fall” is not a Bible verse. It is a misquote of Proverbs 16:18.

Source: https://www.lumin.faith/is-it-in-the-bible/pride-goes-before-a-fall
By Andrew Kittridge · October 28, 2026

Proverbs 16:18 says pride comes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. The popular line folds the two halves into one.

A misquote of Proverbs 16:18. Origin: A shortened form of Proverbs 16:18.

## The verse it misquotes

> Pride comes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.
>
> — [Proverbs 16:18](https://www.lumin.faith/read/proverbs/16#18) (Lumin Translation)

## What the Bible says instead

> Pride comes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.
>
> — [Proverbs 16:18](https://www.lumin.faith/read/proverbs/16#18) (Lumin Translation)

> When pride comes, disgrace comes too, but with the humble is wisdom.
>
> — [Proverbs 11:2](https://www.lumin.faith/read/proverbs/11#2) (Lumin Translation)

## Common questions

### Is “Pride goes before a fall” in the Bible?

No. “Pride goes before a fall” is not a Bible verse. It is a misquote of Proverbs 16:18. Proverbs 16:18 says pride comes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. The popular line folds the two halves into one.

### Where does “Pride goes before a fall” come from?

A shortened form of Proverbs 16:18.

### What does the Bible say instead?

Read Proverbs 16:18, Proverbs 11:2. Proverbs 16:18 says pride comes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. The popular line folds the two halves into one.

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