“Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished” Proverbs 16:5 AMP

Today we are once again reminded about the importance of humility. The Hebrew word here for proud is actually the word “arrogant.” It means “pertaining to the exaltation of self especially in the area of moral failure.” We read a warning in the book of Psalms,

“Whoever secretly slanders his neighbor, him I will silence; The one who has a haughty look and a proud (arrogant) heart I will not tolerate.” Psalms 101:5 AMP

Arrogance always leads to the elevation of self and the belittling of others. We all at times have struggled with pride in our lives. Sadly, many never realize the potential destruction that lies ahead! I am reminded of a verse that brings this point home,

“Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool [discarding his worldly pretensions and acknowledging his lack of wisdom], so that he may become [truly] wise.” 1 Corinthians 3:18 AMP 

The Christian can never measure himself using the standards of the world. This world is corrupted by sin and cannot even agree with the facts of life. They take great lengths to prove their fallacies with nonsensical arguments that in and of themselves are flawed! Notice the advice the Apostle Paul gave the church at Rome.

“For by the grace [of God] given to me I say to everyone of you not to think more highly of himself [and of his importance and ability] than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has apportioned to each a degree of faith [and a purpose designed for service]. “Romans 12:3 AMP

We are called to have “sound judgement” in order to know how to please God. The words “sound judgement” are the words meaning “think soberly.” The word “soberly” is the Hebrew word meaning “that which is rational: to be intellectually sound.” It was used to describe the process by which a politician would make decisions for the good of the “polis.” I’m not sure what happened to that process over the years! It is clear today that the system is designed to promote self at the expense of others. It seems like no one is willing to make the hard decisions and hold the line for what is best. 

Our verse tells us that those who walk in arrogance will eventually suffer its consequences. We see that in an attempt to make the lie truth, they enlist the agreement of others. Immediately you should remember the verse in the book of Romans.

“And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God or consider Him worth knowing [as their Creator], God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do things which are improper and repulsive, 29until they were filled (permeated, saturated) with every kind of unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice and mean-spiritedness. They are gossips [spreading rumors], 30slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors [of new forms] of evil, disobedient and disrespectful to parents, 31without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful [without pity]. 32Although they know God’s righteous decree and His judgment, that those who do such things deserve death, yet they not only do them, but they even [enthusiastically] approve and tolerate others who practice them.” Romans 1:28-32 AMP

The Scripture is clear,

“Humble yourselves [with an attitude of repentance and insignificance] in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you [He will lift you up, He will give you purpose].” James 4:10 AMP

Humbleness is not weakness but rather our strength to grow in the grace and the knowledge of who Christ is! Have a humble and blessed day! Pastor Ken