Scripture: “A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.” – (29:23)
Observation: Being a boastful individual does not elevate a person in the eyes of others, in fact, it does just the opposite. It is the humble person who is seen by others as honorable and respectable.
Application: We are told in Isaiah 14 that the reason Satan was cast out of heaven was because of his pride. He believed he was equal with God. Verse 13 records God’s words as He speaks to the devil. “For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:” Because of his pride, Satan was ejected from the presence of God forever, and his judgment was declared from the throne room of the Almighty in Isaiah 14:15, “Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.”
Here are a few reasons that God’s Word repeatedly warns about the sin of pride:
- Pride brings bondage.
- “Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment.” – Psalm 73:6
- Pride brings shame.
- “When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.” – Proverbs 11:2
- Pride brings contention or discord.
- “Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.” – Proverbs 13:10
- Pride destroys.
- “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” – Proverbs 16:18
In contrast, the Bible tells us that God favors the humble man. He exalts those who lives reflect humility. James 4:10 states, “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” When we strive to be humble in spirit, God will honor us as it promises in Proverbs 22:4, “By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life.”
In truth, God is the only One who could boast about Himself, but He did not do so. Philippians 2:8 tells how Jesus came to us. “And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” God desires us to be like Jesus. Let us seek to follow in our Saviour’s footsteps each day… with a spirit of humility and a contrite heart.
Prayer: Dearest Lord Jesus, thank You for choosing to humble Yourself and become the sacrifice for my sins. Thank You for the example You have provided in Your Word, showing me how to live with a humble attitude. Forgive me for my pride that so often creeps into my thoughts, words, and even actions. Help my heart to be shrouded in meekness so that I may be a better ambassador for You. In Your name, I pray. Amen.
Not I, but Christ, be honored, loved, exalted;
Not I, but Christ, be seen, be known, be heard;
Not I, but Christ, in every look and action,
Not I, but Christ, in every thought and word.
Christ, only Christ! No idle words e’er falling,
Christ, only Christ; no needless bustling sound;
Christ, only Christ, no self important bearing;
Christ, only Christ, no trace of “I” be found.
(from “Not I But Christ” by Ada A. Whiddington))
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“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:” – 1 Peter 5:6