I love the quippy way Proverbs 29 just lays it all out … stubbornness, wickedness, flattery … they all get punished!
This weekend, our sermon was about humility … and I land on Proverbs 29:23.
“A man’s pride brings him low, but a man of lowly spirit gains honor.”
Pride, humility–it is a tricky thing. I know there are times in my life that I have been prideful about my humility. To be honest, I have been falsely modest at times, perhaps even used “humility” to “fish for compliments”. I also know that humility is not about negative self talk. Humility is not berating yourself or comparing yourself to others.
I think humility is about a right perspective on ourselves and our relationship with God. Knowing that we all have been blessed with gifts and talents, we should be using these gifts to bring glory to God (and not ourselves).
Thank you, Father, for two reminders in two days about the importance of humility. Keep me mindful of my natural inclination toward pride and remind me of the beauty and joy that comes from true humility.
Karen (from the archives, originally published April 11, 2011)
Sixty-six books in a year 