“Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord, and humility comes before honor.” Proverbs 15:33 NIV
Humility is a powerful attitude when exhibited before both God and people. It leads to respect and ultimately honor for the person. Before God it is the proper understanding of who we are and more importantly who God is. Before others it is a willful choice to live in a way that blesses others. The opposite is pride and neither God nor others respect or value that characteristic. Pride may be thrust on others if the person is in a position of authority or power over them but inwardly the person subjected to it neither honors or respects them. God despises the sin of pride and treats it with harsh rebuke. Scripture, especially the book of Proverbs, often talks of the dangers and downfall of the prideful person. Occasionally the word pride may have a positive connotation for the nation of Israel. However in the Old Testament it is used negatively in 61 verses. It is pride that got Lucifer kicked out of heaven and pride that keeps many hearts from bowing before God in recognition of the need for a savior. In a Christ follower pride is blunted by the realization that anything good in us is a gift from God and not by our own doing. This brings humility as we understanding that “all good things come from above”. Today be humble and grateful to God. #BeTheEdge
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”James 4:10 NIV
