“The Lord detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.”
How many criminal acts are committed because the person committing it believes they will get caught? Probably close to none. What about lies? How many are told believing they will not be revealed? Maybe a few more but still not many. In this verse Solomon takes on those people who may look humble, pious and even reverent in their outward behavior but are ignoring or worse subjugating God and His truth in their heart. They are making themselves the god of their story and trying to impose that on others. In the original language this verse also lets us know that this person joins with other likeminded people who encourage (hand joined in hand) their ignoring of God and their arrogant lives. We have all seen these groups. They are loud, arrogant and proud. And dangerous. They live as though there is no accounting coming. However it often occurs on this planet, failed marriages, destroyed kids, bankrupt business, and worse. Whether or not it occurs here a worse accounting awaits in the next life. There is also a theological sense that hand in hand implies we pass this arrogant and proud heart down generationally. I can’t imagine a worse inheritance than alienation from God. Right thinking reminds us that God is the source of “all good things” (James 1:17) and none are from us. Today ask God to check your heart and remove all pride. #BeTheEdge
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” James 4:10 NIV