Wisdom: A Study in ProverbsSample

What does it say?

Pride will eventually bring a person to disaster. It is better to have a poor and lowly life than to have much and be proud.

What does it mean?

Pride and humility cannot co-exist. The irony of pride is that it causes the opposite of what the proud person desires. The intent is to elevate one’s status, when in reality pride is the very thing that leads to a great loss or failure. A “haughty spirit” involves an attitude of superiority and a belief that others, maybe even God, are not needed to achieve success. Humility, on the other hand, involves being teachable and having a willingness to live without worldly status symbols. Humility, not pride, brings honor (Prov. 18:12; 29:23).

How should I respond?

As Christians, we are to be clothed with humility because that is how we identify with Christ (Col. 3:12; Phil. 2:5-9). For some, the personal relationship with the Lord Jesus becomes the very thing that causes a superior attitude toward unbelievers. It’s essential to guard against the belief that we are better than other people in any way. Only by regularly acknowledging our position before God are we properly positioned to be used by Him. What part has pride played in a downfall in your life? Humbly ask God to reveal any hidden areas of pride. True humility will result in honor and blessing from our gracious Lord who promised, “Whoever humbles himself will be exalted” (Matt. 23:12).