Proverbs 11:1-31
Saturday, 24 February 2024
“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom” -Proverbs 11:2
One of the greatest enemies of man is pride. Pride is the state in which a man is full of himself—such a person thinks he can run his life his way with no regard for God or His principles or even the counsel of others. Psalm 10:4 says, “In his pride the wicked man does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God.”
The proud are opposed to God. The Bible demonstrates the downfall of many who have exalted themselves, giving no regard to God. Satan’s downfall, as detailed in Isaiah 14:9-15 is a cautionary example.
The Tower of Babel is another example when the people got themselves to make a tower that would reach to the heavens so that they could make a name for themselves (Genesis 11:4). But God crushed their pride and scattered them! People who leave God out of the equation of their lives are heading for a downfall at one point or other in their lives.
King Nebuchadnezzar in the Book of Daniel is an example of one whose pride was brought down by God. As Babylon continued to grow in prosperity, one day the King was walking on the roof of the royal palace, and he said, “Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?” Even as the words were on his lips, a voice came from heaven, “This is what is decreed for you, King Nebuchadnezzar: Your royal authority has been taken from you.” (Daniel 4:29-31). He had to learn the hard way to acknowledge God.
1 John 2:16 says “For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.” In our world today, people have easy access to money, power, fame and luxuries which become good breeding ground for pride to grow in them. Proverbs 16:18 warns us that “…pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” This is contrary to what God expects of us. He is pleased when we have the spirit of humility that acknowledges, trusts and depends on Him. Jer.9:23- 24: This is what the LORD says: “Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me….”
Our Lord Jesus Christ has portrayed to us the best example of humility! He came down from Heaven, took the form of man to live like one of us— this act demonstrates humility. Throughout His life on earth Jesus exhibited a life of obedience to His heavenly Father in humility. He being God himself chose to remain obedient even to the death on the cross. In Matthew 20:26-28 Jesus says “…whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave, just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Jesus set an example of servanthood when He washed the disciples’ feet (John 13:12-17) before He left them.
Humility characterizes true Christianity which needs a shift in our focus from self to Christ. That means a constant effort to change our attitudes and principles to be Christ-like. When we start to build our relationship with God, a transformation happens within, whereby humility takes over, leaving pride powerless! May our hearts be fixed on Jesus rather than the things of the world, that we may lead a Christ-filled life in every walk!
Prayer: Dear Lord, transform my heart—rid every form of pride and teach me Your ways and fill me with the spirit of humility. In Jesus name, Amen
Listen: 'Humble thyself in the sight of the Lord'