Full Of Self?

Read Proverbs 11

Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.

Proverbs 11:2

In his classic book Mere Christianity, C. S. Lewis wrote extensively about pride. He called it “the great sin,” noting that it was through pride that the devil became the devil! As long as we are prideful, he argued, always looking down on everything and everyone, we cannot see the God who is above us.

In today’s proverb, the word for pride comes from a Hebrew verb meaning “to boil up.” The picture is of a kind of “bubbling arrogance” that seeks to dominate others and promote self. Note the result of this kind of mind-set and lifestyle: Those with inflated egos will soon be deflated!

God’s way is the way of wisdom, which goes hand-in-hand with humility. This is the quiet, modest, trusting approach to life (Micah 6:8). The humble person does not “boil up” with a great need to be first or gain acclaim. A humble person is not threatened by the success of others.

A WORD FOR TODAY

Give pride the benefit of the doubt.

Today, Lord, free me from that strong urge to promote myself, to be noticed, to receive acclaim, and to be arrogant toward others. Teach me how to humble myself so that you can exalt me at the proper time.