Daily Devotions based on the Sermon Series: “Timely Teaching for Turbulent Times”
Week 3 of 6: “The Impact of Humility!”
Full Sunday message, CONTEMPORARY or TRADITIONAL
THIS WEEK: Pride and the Proverbs
It’s great to be recognized.
For most people receiving recognition is a wonderful feeling. It is exciting to receive a raise at work. It is a memorable moment when you receive the “Most Valuable Player” award from your team. To receive a purple heart for valor in military service, is a signature moment in one’s career.
They all make you proud.
Receiving honor makes you feel proud. However, being prideful doesn’t bring honor.
Ironic, isn’t it?
The Proverbs say (11:2) When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.
Pride leads one to respond to a raise, “I deserved that more than anyone else.” Pride in an athlete responds, “It’s about time I was recognized as the MVP. I deserve it more than my teammates.” Pride in the soldier responds, “I have always fought harder than the rest of my platoon.”
If the giver of these awards would have known pride lurked in their hearts, they would not have received the awards. Being honored brings pride. Being proud brings disgrace.
Why?
The proud think more highly of themselves than they ought. The proud seek after honor. They desire to be recognized. They step on and over people to try to receive further accolades and recognition.
Solomon knew that the pathway to honor wasn’t with a heart of pride. Rather just the opposite. Humility has to come before honor.
Proverbs 15:33 The fear of the Lord teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor.
In all three of those situations, it is nearly a given that part of the reason they received the reward was because their heart was humble. The employee just always showed up and gave their best…and was honored with a raise. The athlete worked hard on and off the field, encouraging and helping teammates be their best…and was given the MVP award. The soldier was willing to give up his or her life for others and recognized for their brave, yet humble actions in the midst of battle.
Humility precedes honor.
But did you notice what else comes from humility? Wisdom.
One who is humble is willing to learn. They are willing to seek and listen to advice. They value the people around them and perceive everyone as one who is valuable and can add value to them. As a result they gain knowledge…and see how that is applied…i.e. wisdom.
One more thing. Wisdom doesn’t just come from learning from others. It comes from the “fear of the LORD.” “The fear of the Lord teaches a man wisdom.” Only when I listen to what the LORD has to say, humbly submit to it, and with his help live it out does honor come. It may not come from people, but it will come from the LORD.
What an honor that will be!
Apply: Am I seeking honor? Time to let go of seeking honor and rather spend time seeking wisdom from the fear of the LORD. Ask the LORD to help you implement it every day.
Prayer: LORD, thank you for pointing out where true honor comes from. It doesn’t come from my ego seeking praise, but from my heart fearing you and seeking after your wisdom. AMEN.