What does Proverbs 11:2 mean?

This verse contrasts pride and humility. The word for "pride" used here is zā'don, which also means "arrogance." This is a person who sees no need for God in his life. His overconfidence boils over into self-indulgent living and egotism. He believes he is master of his own fate, but he fails to understand that pride goes before a fall. Eventually, he will experience the humiliation of reality.

Acts 12:21–23 reports the awful effects of pride on King Herod. He donned his royal robes, sat on the throne, addressed a large crowd, and received the crowd's adoration. Everyone shouted that he was a god and not a man. Rather than deflect such praise, Herod embraced it. Immediately Herod's pride turned to disgrace: "an angel of the Lord struck him down, because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and breathed his last" (Acts 12:23).

Micah 6:8 cites one of the Lord's requirements for His people is walking humbly with our God. Solomon observes here that humility and true wisdom go hand in hand.