Week 41/2024
A word fitly spoken is like APPLES OF GOLD in a setting of silver – Proverbs 25v11
Today we will consider some verses from the Book of Proverbs 13 verse18-20: “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Better to be lowly in spirit along with the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud. Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord”.
When I was growing up my parents used to drum these words into me to discourage me from becoming arrogant, but today’s society has a different viewpoint and parents and teachers encourage, praise and reward children’s achievements and success where, perhaps it is not always due. Unfortunately, sometimes the role models that are used as a yardstick in the sporting, entertainment, business world and even in Christian leaders can reflect excessive and unacceptable behaviour.
Whilst these people are “flavour of the month” their excesses are tolerated and ignored but soon after they are exalted the media destroy and discard them for new heroes. And those sycophants who have shared their plunder are likewise despised.
Dear readers, to a lesser extent the same danger applies to us if we become excessively proud of our physical, mental and emotional success and use this power to oppress and abuse those who are weaker and unable to protect themselves. This puts us in the same category as the animal world of “survival of the fittest” and at some point, when our strengths fail and our influence wanes, we can be devoured by the hyenas of society. The proverb is then proved true that “Pride goes before destruction” and it is “better to be humble”. Why are we called to be humble and “lowly in Spirit”? Friends, to be lowly in spirit or humble is not a sign of weakness – it is the exact opposite because it requires strength of character to go against the flow.
If we obey Philippians 2v3: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves”, we will prosper and be blessed -not necessarily materially, but more importantly we will have a good conscience, good character, a good name and contentment in our soul. Jesus emphasised this in Luke 14v11: “For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted”. If you believe God then put this Proverb into practice and emulate Christ who said: “learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” – Matthew 11v29.
Till next time may God guide you to these truths.
From the former writings of our late Graeme Greenwood