10 But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, 'Friend, move up to a better place.' Then you will be honored in the presence of all your fellow guests. 11 For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."
In our verses for today Jesus once again deals with the subject of humility. It is no wonder that He stresses this point considering our lack of it and our subsequent gross magnitude and rampant occurrences of pride which tends to permeate the human race. Since this subject is addressed so often in Scripture, I thought it would be interesting to cite several verses regarding God’s opinion on humility and pride. While certainly not exhaustive, the following verses are worth our consideration:
27 You save the humble but bring low those whose eyes are haughty. Psalms 18:27 (NIV)
16 There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: 17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, 18 a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, 19 a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers. Prov 6:16-19 (NIV)
Interestingly, “haughty eyes” (pride) ranks number one on God’s detestable list certainly giving us a heads-up or fair warning! We must remember that arrogance will always drive out humility in one’s life and conversely, fortunately, humility will drive out arrogance. Many benefits accompany humility. Scripture tells us:
9 He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way. Psalms 25:9 (NIV)
4 For the LORD takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with salvation. Psalms 149:4 (NIV)
34 He mocks proud mockers but gives grace to the humble. Prov 3:34 (NIV)
"This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word. Isaiah 66:2 (NIV)
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 1 Peter 5:6 (NIV)
Pride comes from a lack of understanding of what God and others have done in our lives. Job came face to face with this issue when he had a compulsory conversation with the God of all creation. God starts out the discussion by asking Job many questions – all of which he had no clue how to answer:
1 Then the LORD answered Job out of the storm. He said: 2 "Who is this that darkens my counsel
with words without knowledge? 3 Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me. Job 38:1-3 (NIV)
God proceeds with a litany of questions- perhaps even “tongue in cheek” – which renders Job speechless. God begins by asking:
4 "Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation? Tell me, if you understand. 5 Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? 6 On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone-- 7 while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy? Job 38:4-7 (NIV)
At the end of three chapters of continuous questioning by God, “blameless” Job has the proper (and, I might add, only reasonable) response:
1 Then Job replied to the LORD: 2 "I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted. 3 You asked, 'Who is this that obscures my counsel without knowledge?' Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know. 4 "You said, 'Listen now, and I will speak; I will question you, and you shall answer me.' 5 My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. 6 Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes." Job 42:1-6 (NIV)
Nothing like coming face to face with Almighty God! It certainly will give one the proper perspective of their life! Better to get to that perspective before having such an encounter with our Creator. God gives us a choice between humility and humiliation and I believe the former is infinitely far superior!
8 He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8 (NIV)