“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.” (Proverbs 11:2, ESV)
I find it very interesting that today’s scripture verse equates prideful living with “disgrace”, while lifting up humility as “wisdom”. Our world has reversed this order.
“Modern” society urges people to “toot their own horn”, while putting down those who share. Social media praises those who “put it all out there” on vlogs, blogs, YouTube, TikTok, or wherever. The internet is full of wives bashing husbands, family feuds, get-rich schemes, and self-aggrandizing videos and photographs. Every June we suffer through “Pride Month”, as LBGTQ+ people tell the world how great it is to live an “alternative” lifestyle. The world today silences those who are humble while selling the grandeur of the rich and famous. Where does that leave the humble? Their simple and beautiful acts of love are buried on page 18 of the news or seen as an aberration of the new “normal”.
Proverbs 11:2 is a reminder that “with the humble is wisdom”. This scripture teaches that if you desire to be wise in God’s eyes, you need humility. Humbleness is not an option, something you trot out when you want to look generous or religious or endearing. Humbleness should be a part of your DNA, a sign of your faith, an offering to God.
As I was preparing this meditation, I ran across a story in the life of Professor Booker T. Washington. You may remember that he was a well-regarded black educator, who was not only known for his intelligence but was praised for his humility. Washington was walking down a street when a rich woman stopped him. She didn’t recognize Washington as the leader and scholar that he was. After stopping to speak with him, the rich woman asked Washington if he wanted to earn some money by chopping wood for her. Instead of putting her in her place by pointing out that he was a famous professor at the Tuskegee Institute, he rolled up his sleeves and went to work as requested.
The next day, Washington was on campus when the rich woman came to see him and apologized profusely for her error. She was embarrassed that she mistook him for a simple worker. Washington responded simply, “It’s perfectly all right, madam. Occasionally I enjoy a little manual labor. Besides, it’s always a delight to do something for a friend.” Washington didn’t berate her, make fun of her, nor show her the error of her ways. In the months and years after, the woman was so impressed at Professor Washington’s attitude that she persuaded wealthy friends to donate thousands of dollars to the Tuskegee Institute. Professor Washington’s kind humility paid great dividends.
While God enjoys acts of humility, especially those done in godly reverence, there are some who promote the opposite. They do not understand that “pride goeth before destruction” as written in Proverbs 16:18. They do not see the value in humility, which so often goes unnoticed. Sadly, they have failed to understand that God blesses faithfulness, justice, righteousness… but not pridefulness. Never pridefulness. True to today’s scripture, God sees human pridefulness as bringing disgrace. Haven’t you seen this as well?
History’s pages are full of those whose pride brought disgrace. There are thousands of stories of Hollywood stars who let their fame play with their ego. In the end, many ended up victims of drug-related crimes or death. Some ended up wrecking their reputation or their future. Fame and prosperity often cause people to become pride obsessed. They expect better service. They demand the best. They can be insufferable… all in their pride.
Recently, I read of a Hollywood starlet who would not perform before a camera unless certain amenities were awarded to her. In her contract, she required seventy different benefits, among them were required French wines and expensive chocolates in her dressing room. She also demanded her own hair stylist who would be on call twenty-four hours a day. The list of her “expectations” was long. She was so very full of herself. She was a perfect example of arrogant behavior produced by a prideful attitude. She is so difficult to deal with, she has gone through four husbands and five different agents to date. Many actors despise working with her on set, calling her everything from hateful, demanding, or disgraceful.
Don’t for a moment think you are above being prideful. Every human being has the capability of arrogance. If you won the lottery, would your expectations increase? If you had been raised differently, how would it have affected your attitude? Have you ever looked down on another person for being less capable, worth less pay, less good looking, or not as intelligent?
Everything from murder to world wars has been fought over the pridefulness of human beings. Hitler believed himself above the lowly Jews. Stalin persecuted those who were of Polish, Estonian, Latvian, Finnish, and Greek descent. Children in the Arab world are taught by many authorities to hate Israelis. Muslims in Africa are celebrated for murdering poor Christians. Chinese officials seek to eradicate the Falon Gung followers, even calling these adherents “less than human”. Political figures in Europe and United States have gone out of their way to paint the opposite party as Nazis, murderers, rapists, and more all to drum up prideful support.
There is no doubt that not only is pride “disgraceful” in God’s eyes, but pride is obviously divisive wherever it is practiced. History has proven that. On the contrary, humility has not been promoted enough among Christians. The cultish following of powerful pastors is shameful. Wealthy givers are often praised, while good workers may be ignored. Even in Christian families, parents will laud the accomplishments of their own family members while speaking ill of other people. Making yourself look good by putting down others is disgraceful according to our scripture but not uncommon among Christian laypeople and even promoted among Christian scholars.
This scripture should be a clear reminder for you that human pride is dangerous. Prideful thoughts can cause great harm to your future. Arrogance is an affront to God. If you want to feel God’s blessing, don’t seek pride. Be humble. Accomplish righteous works without expectation of reward. Don’t be flattered by those who would build up your ego. Instead, be humbled by those who show mercy, offer forgiveness, are full of love, and are signs of God’s grace.
In the following days and weeks, look for evidence of pride in your words and thoughts. Offer thanks to any who do God’s work in humility. Put pride in its place. Put God above all!
“Modern” society urges people to “toot their own horn”, while putting down those who share. Social media praises those who “put it all out there” on vlogs, blogs, YouTube, TikTok, or wherever. The internet is full of wives bashing husbands, family feuds, get-rich schemes, and self-aggrandizing videos and photographs. Every June we suffer through “Pride Month”, as LBGTQ+ people tell the world how great it is to live an “alternative” lifestyle. The world today silences those who are humble while selling the grandeur of the rich and famous. Where does that leave the humble? Their simple and beautiful acts of love are buried on page 18 of the news or seen as an aberration of the new “normal”.
Proverbs 11:2 is a reminder that “with the humble is wisdom”. This scripture teaches that if you desire to be wise in God’s eyes, you need humility. Humbleness is not an option, something you trot out when you want to look generous or religious or endearing. Humbleness should be a part of your DNA, a sign of your faith, an offering to God.
As I was preparing this meditation, I ran across a story in the life of Professor Booker T. Washington. You may remember that he was a well-regarded black educator, who was not only known for his intelligence but was praised for his humility. Washington was walking down a street when a rich woman stopped him. She didn’t recognize Washington as the leader and scholar that he was. After stopping to speak with him, the rich woman asked Washington if he wanted to earn some money by chopping wood for her. Instead of putting her in her place by pointing out that he was a famous professor at the Tuskegee Institute, he rolled up his sleeves and went to work as requested.
The next day, Washington was on campus when the rich woman came to see him and apologized profusely for her error. She was embarrassed that she mistook him for a simple worker. Washington responded simply, “It’s perfectly all right, madam. Occasionally I enjoy a little manual labor. Besides, it’s always a delight to do something for a friend.” Washington didn’t berate her, make fun of her, nor show her the error of her ways. In the months and years after, the woman was so impressed at Professor Washington’s attitude that she persuaded wealthy friends to donate thousands of dollars to the Tuskegee Institute. Professor Washington’s kind humility paid great dividends.
While God enjoys acts of humility, especially those done in godly reverence, there are some who promote the opposite. They do not understand that “pride goeth before destruction” as written in Proverbs 16:18. They do not see the value in humility, which so often goes unnoticed. Sadly, they have failed to understand that God blesses faithfulness, justice, righteousness… but not pridefulness. Never pridefulness. True to today’s scripture, God sees human pridefulness as bringing disgrace. Haven’t you seen this as well?
History’s pages are full of those whose pride brought disgrace. There are thousands of stories of Hollywood stars who let their fame play with their ego. In the end, many ended up victims of drug-related crimes or death. Some ended up wrecking their reputation or their future. Fame and prosperity often cause people to become pride obsessed. They expect better service. They demand the best. They can be insufferable… all in their pride.
Recently, I read of a Hollywood starlet who would not perform before a camera unless certain amenities were awarded to her. In her contract, she required seventy different benefits, among them were required French wines and expensive chocolates in her dressing room. She also demanded her own hair stylist who would be on call twenty-four hours a day. The list of her “expectations” was long. She was so very full of herself. She was a perfect example of arrogant behavior produced by a prideful attitude. She is so difficult to deal with, she has gone through four husbands and five different agents to date. Many actors despise working with her on set, calling her everything from hateful, demanding, or disgraceful.
Don’t for a moment think you are above being prideful. Every human being has the capability of arrogance. If you won the lottery, would your expectations increase? If you had been raised differently, how would it have affected your attitude? Have you ever looked down on another person for being less capable, worth less pay, less good looking, or not as intelligent?
Everything from murder to world wars has been fought over the pridefulness of human beings. Hitler believed himself above the lowly Jews. Stalin persecuted those who were of Polish, Estonian, Latvian, Finnish, and Greek descent. Children in the Arab world are taught by many authorities to hate Israelis. Muslims in Africa are celebrated for murdering poor Christians. Chinese officials seek to eradicate the Falon Gung followers, even calling these adherents “less than human”. Political figures in Europe and United States have gone out of their way to paint the opposite party as Nazis, murderers, rapists, and more all to drum up prideful support.
There is no doubt that not only is pride “disgraceful” in God’s eyes, but pride is obviously divisive wherever it is practiced. History has proven that. On the contrary, humility has not been promoted enough among Christians. The cultish following of powerful pastors is shameful. Wealthy givers are often praised, while good workers may be ignored. Even in Christian families, parents will laud the accomplishments of their own family members while speaking ill of other people. Making yourself look good by putting down others is disgraceful according to our scripture but not uncommon among Christian laypeople and even promoted among Christian scholars.
This scripture should be a clear reminder for you that human pride is dangerous. Prideful thoughts can cause great harm to your future. Arrogance is an affront to God. If you want to feel God’s blessing, don’t seek pride. Be humble. Accomplish righteous works without expectation of reward. Don’t be flattered by those who would build up your ego. Instead, be humbled by those who show mercy, offer forgiveness, are full of love, and are signs of God’s grace.
In the following days and weeks, look for evidence of pride in your words and thoughts. Offer thanks to any who do God’s work in humility. Put pride in its place. Put God above all!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Blessed Lord of all Creation! I praise You in the name of Jesus! I am in awe of Your love and forgiveness and healing. I am humbled by Your call upon my life. I do not deserve such grace! You have showered creation with so many blessings! The world should be thankful for Your watchful eye!
Hear the cries of those who suffer this day due to the prideful arrogance of the powerful. Heal the hearts of those whose lives have been torn apart by divorce and greed and manipulation and selfish behavior. Incline your ear to the prayers of the humble. Let your angels comfort the grieving. Let your Spirit uplift the righteous.
Help me to be more loving, dear Lord. I want to be like my Savior, Jesus. I want to be a devoted example of Your grace. Help me to promote healing in others. Show me the path to righteousness. Direct my steps until I face You on Judgment Day.
I am so excited to one day be in Your presence and thankful to be a child of Your Kingdom! Amen.
Blessed Lord of all Creation! I praise You in the name of Jesus! I am in awe of Your love and forgiveness and healing. I am humbled by Your call upon my life. I do not deserve such grace! You have showered creation with so many blessings! The world should be thankful for Your watchful eye!
Hear the cries of those who suffer this day due to the prideful arrogance of the powerful. Heal the hearts of those whose lives have been torn apart by divorce and greed and manipulation and selfish behavior. Incline your ear to the prayers of the humble. Let your angels comfort the grieving. Let your Spirit uplift the righteous.
Help me to be more loving, dear Lord. I want to be like my Savior, Jesus. I want to be a devoted example of Your grace. Help me to promote healing in others. Show me the path to righteousness. Direct my steps until I face You on Judgment Day.
I am so excited to one day be in Your presence and thankful to be a child of Your Kingdom! Amen.
The uplifting video today examines how to be humble before God. Click below for that video!