Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the LORD, and humility comes before honor. Proverbs 15:33 (NIV)
The “fear of the Lord” is not dread but reverence for Him. It’s acknowledging Him as over all, above all, and our all in all. This is the beginning of wisdom. We get wisdom not by accumulating facts only but by putting our lives under God’s instruction. When God is our lifeline then we will look to Him, listen to Him, obey Him and follow Him in every matter. This is true humility. It’s not seeing or treating yourself as nothing or unworthy that shows you’re humble. It’s acknowledging God as your worth and value. Order your steps according to God’s ways and directions, refer to and rely on Him in all your decisions and actions. In doing this you’re not only honoring God but also setting up yourself for honor. This is what it means that humility precedes or comes before honor. Moses was very humble – Numbers 12:3, and God honored him as leader of Israel. Jesus said the one who humbles himself will be exalted – Matthew 23:12, and He practiced that, emptying Himself and becoming a servant before being highly exalted – Philippians 2:5-9. See God as everything and yourself as dependent. Humble yourself before the Lord, and He will lift you up in honor – James 4:10 (NLT).