*Minor differences ignored. Grouped by changes, with first version listed as example.
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.
After the heart has been lifted up with pride, a fall comes. But honour shall be the reward of humility.
We place together Proverbs 18:12-19, in which the figure of a secure fortress returns:
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.
*More commentary available at chapter level.