(Prov 21:24 CEV) If you are proud and conceited, everyone will say, “You’re a snob!”
This morning we continue our series entitled “Unlocking the Power of Proverbs – Walking in the Wisdom of God.” Today’s society is all about ‘getting, getting, getting.’ One can make the argument that the ‘always want more’ attitude is what led many to be in the financial binds they find themselves in today. But who can blame society when all you see on television is the mindset that says, “Be the best at all costs… even if it means stepping on others to get there.” You know what you don’t see much on TV? Humility, grace, or quiet confidence.
The Brenton Translation of this verse reads: “A bold and self-willed and insolent man is called a pest: and he that remembers injuries is a transgressor.” The Good New Bible reads: “Show me a conceited person and I will show you someone who is arrogant, proud, and inconsiderate.” Excessive pride, arrogance, and conceit are natural qualities for the citizens kingdom of darkness, but they should NOT be for us, for believers, for those who God has called out of darkness, into His marvelous light. I do have to admit, however, that there is a very thin line between confidence and arrogance and even the best of us cross that line from time to time. That is why it is important to stay in the Word. If we stay in the Word we will receive the correction we need to stay humble and to remain in God’s will.
Pride is what got satan in trouble in the first place. Isaiah talks about it as he explains how Satan said, “I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of the sacred mountain. I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High” (Isaiah 14:13,14). What do you see in those two verses? Satan was both proud and conceited and he still is today. As a matter of fact, pride is one of satan’s three major weapons. Satan’s “big three” are: 1) the lust of the flesh, 2) the lust of the eyes, and 3) the pride of life (1st John 2:16). Solomon said, “Pride goes before destruction… ” (Proverbs 16:18). Pride caused satan to forfeit the blessed benefits of heaven. Don’t let the same be said of you.
When you think too highly of yourself and you display a sense of overbearing self-worth or self-importance you literally cause the favor of God to cease from operating in your life. Peter told us that God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble (1 Peter 5:5). You don’t want to be on the other side of God’s resistance. King Saul is another example of a person who allowed pride and conceit to get him in trouble. Saul lost his family, his throne, and his future because of pride. He wrecked his life because he got too big for himself. When God sent the prophet Samuel to rebuke king Saul this is what the prophet said, “When you started out in this, you were nothing – and you knew it” (1 Sam 15:17 Message Bible). The King James version says, “When thou wast little in thine own sight.” What was the problem? Saul had gotten to the point where his self-importance as king caused him to disobey the God that he was supposed to be serving with the position in the first place. Let’s learn from his mistake and not repeat it.
So what does this mean to you today? It means that God can bless you and you should expect Him to, but never allow the blessing to cause you to walk away from the blessor! Never get to the point where we are so “big” in your own eyes that you fail to honor the God who blessed you to be where you are. And never allow a position, title, fame, or fortune to cause you to have overbearing self-importance. While you should not have low self-esteem, you should not allow yourself to get too big for God either. Walk in love, because love keeps it all in balance. Love enables us to enjoy the blessings while honoring the blessor!
Closing Confession: Father, I remain little in my own eyes. I thank You for helping me to develop a positive self-image, but that self-image is kept in check by Your love, Your Word, and Your Spirit. I will never get to the point where I allow what You bless me with to keep me from You. I appreciate the fact that You give me all things richly to enjoy and I do enjoy my life. However, I will never allow the allure of promotion, position, fame, or fortune to cause me to violate Your Word, will, or ways. In Jesus’ name. Amen!
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper!
