Proverbs 18:12 (NIV)
Before a downfall the heart is haughty,
but humility comes before honor.
Two things that don't go together: wisdom and pride.
Two things that do go together: humility and honour.
Back in chapter 16, there is this statement:
Pride goes before destruction,
a haughty spirit before a fall (16:18).
The most common version: Pride goes before a fall.
The crazy thing about pride is the way it remains hidden from us, yet visible to everyone around.
It's fascinating when you think about it.
Pride leads to humiliation, which is involuntary humility.
The only remedy? Voluntary humility.
James gives us a good take on pride and humility.
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. (3:13–17)
In the final analysis, there are only two choices: humility or humiliation. Wisdom chooses while there's still time.
PRAYER
Abba Father, thank you for showing us the inexhaustible depths of your own humility in your Son, Jesus. Keep our eyes fixed on him that we might become like him. Save us from humiliation. Let our pride be crucified now. In Jesus's name, amen.
PROMPTS
- Are you a proud person? Are you a humble person?
Try scaling yourself on a 1–10 scale and see where you land. - Now ask a good friend to scale you on those continuums and see how it compares.
Be gentle! - What might voluntary humility look like in a very practical way today?
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