Heart Contrast

Read Proverbs 3

The LORD mocks the mockers but is gracious to the humble.

Proverbs 3:34

The Lord mocking mockers and favoring the humble is just one variation of a theme often repeated in the Bible, namely that God’s primary interest is in the attitudes of the heart. Mockers can be characterized in one of two ways, and both are the result of an improper image of self. One is blatant pride that says, “I am better than others.” The other is a sense of worthlessness that says, “I try to hide by degrading others.”

Pride prevents people from seeking God because it makes them think they don’t need him. Feeling worthless prevents people from seeking God because it makes them think they can’t measure up.

Humility, on the other hand, allows a realistic perspective. Humility recognizes that we are the pinnacle of God’s creation, created by him in his image in order to worship him. But it also recognizes that we are sinners who turned our backs on God and that, except for God’s grace, we would be eternally separated from him and his love. It is because of his grace that he has permitted us to reenter his presence. How can we not accept that opportunity?

A WORD FOR TODAY

Humility sees; pride is blind.

Today, Lord, may I not be a mocker separated from you, but a humble seeker of your perfect ways.