What is the exact verse?

It is Proverbs 16:18. In its full wording it says pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. The common saying "pride comes before a fall" is a shortened paraphrase that blends the two halves of the verse into one shorter line.

Is the saying wrong then?

Not in meaning, only in wording. The idea that pride leads to a downfall is genuinely biblical and taught in Proverbs 16:18. But if you are quoting Scripture precisely, the verse speaks of pride going before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall, not simply "pride comes before a fall."

Why do people misquote it?

Because the memorable rhythm of "pride comes before a fall" is easier to say than the longer parallel lines of Proverbs 16:18. Over time the compressed version spread as a proverb of its own, and many assume it is the direct biblical text when it is a paraphrase.

Does the Bible say it?

Does the Bible say "pride comes before a fall"?

Close, but not exact. The Bible does not say "pride comes before a fall" in those words. The verse people mean is Proverbs 16:18, which actually says that pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. The popular saying compresses two lines into one, so the sense is right but the wording is a paraphrase.

VerdictCommon misquotation

What it actually is

The verse behind the saying is Proverbs 16:18, which actually reads that pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. The popular phrase drops the first half and merges the rest.

So the meaning survives, but the exact wording does not. Proverbs 16:18 pairs two parallel warnings: pride leads to destruction, and a haughty spirit leads to a fall. The shortened version "pride comes before a fall" keeps only the second half's ending, which is why it feels biblical yet is not a direct quotation.

What the Bible actually says

Here is the proverb people are actually remembering.

“Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.”

Proverbs 16:18

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A better question than the quote

Behind every “is this in the Bible?” is a gentler one: what does the Bible actually say, and who is the Jesus at the center of it? You do not have to take our word for it, ours least of all. Read his own words and see for yourself. It costs nothing but a little quiet and an honest look.

Meet Jesus His words and acts Read the Gospel of John

Jesus Christ is Lord.

Frequently asked questions

What is the exact verse?: It is Proverbs 16:18. In its full wording it says pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. The common saying "pride comes before a fall" is a shortened paraphrase that blends the two halves of the verse into one shorter line.
Is the saying wrong then?: Not in meaning, only in wording. The idea that pride leads to a downfall is genuinely biblical and taught in Proverbs 16:18. But if you are quoting Scripture precisely, the verse speaks of pride going before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall, not simply "pride comes before a fall."
Why do people misquote it?: Because the memorable rhythm of "pride comes before a fall" is easier to say than the longer parallel lines of Proverbs 16:18. Over time the compressed version spread as a proverb of its own, and many assume it is the direct biblical text when it is a paraphrase.

Explore furtherIs it in the Bible?Read the Bible The verse in full