So the one who thinks he is standing firm should be careful not to fall.
Parallel translations
- WEB Therefore let him who thinks he stands be careful that he doesn’t fall.
- KJV Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
- NKJV Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.
- NASB Therefore let the one who thinks he stands watch out that he does not fall.
- NLT If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Confidence in one's spiritual security can breed pride that leads to a fall. Believers must remain watchful and humble.
Overview
Having recounted Israel's failures, Paul applies the lesson directly: self-assured presumption is dangerous. The verse cautions against complacency, not genuine assurance, calling for vigilant dependence on God rather than trust in oneself. It guards the doctrine of perseverance from becoming an excuse for carelessness, reminding us that those who truly stand do so by God's keeping power, humbly and watchfully.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 9
- Rom 11:20That is correct: They were broken off because of unbelief, but you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but be afraid.
- 2 Pet 3:17Therefore, beloved, since you already know these things, be on your guard so that you will not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure standing.
- Prov 16:18Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.
- 1 Cor 8:2The one who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know.
- Matt 26:40–41Then Jesus returned to the disciples and found them sleeping. “Were you not able to keep watch with Me for one hour?” He asked Peter.
- Matt 26:33–34Peter said to Him, “Even if all fall away on account of You, I never will.”
- Prov 28:14Blessed is the man who is always reverent, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble.
- Rev 3:17–18You say, ‘I am rich; I have grown wealthy and need nothing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked.
- 1 Cor 4:6–8Brothers, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us not to go beyond what is written. Then you will not take pride in one man over another.
Themes, concepts, people & topics
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Christ at the center
Christ crucified is the wisdom and power of God; he is our Passover sacrificed for us, the firstfruits of resurrection, the foundation on which everything is built.
How 1 Corinthians 10:12 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
Each word below is tagged with its Strong’s number — tap one to see the underlying Greek word, its meaning, and every verse that uses it.