45 While all the people were listening, Jesus said to his disciples, 46 "Beware of the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and love to be greeted in the marketplaces and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. 47 They devour widows' houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. Such men will be punished most severely."
Proud and haughty these teachers of the law loved their flowing robes and movie star waves amongst the flock. Covetous and oppressive they were hardly what they appeared to be. Jesus has a “woe” for them – they will most certainly be punished.
“Hypocritical piety is double iniquity.” Matthew Henry
James tells us:
1 Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. James 3:1 (NIV)
“Teaching has to be done, but those who teach must understand their responsibility, as those who teach will be judged more strictly. A teacher’s condemnation is greater because, having professed to have a clear knowledge of duty, he is all the more bound to obey it.” Bible Knowledge Commentary
I am reminded of a Proverb that tells us what God really thinks of man’s pride:
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)
Looks to me as if pride is at the top of the list! It is no wonder our Creator would feel that way – we who cannot add a single hour to our lives (Matthew 6:27) should get a grip! We must beware of thinking too much of ourselves or, in the same light, being too overly concerned with what others may or may not think of us. God has a way of humbling our prideful hearts – trust me, better for us to do it than He. Been there, done that, not too interested in going back either!
“In the Kingdom, there are no great men of God, just humble men whom God has chosen to use greatly. How do we know when we are humble? When God speaks, we tremble. God is looking for a man who trembles at His word. Such a man will find the Spirit of God resting upon him; he will become a dwelling place for the Almighty. God asks for nothing but ourselves.” Francis Frangipane
“To inoculate me from the praise of man, God baptized me into the criticism of man, until I died to the control of man.” Francis Frangipane
Again, in Proverbs we are told:
13 To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech. Prov 8:13 (NIV)
18 Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Prov 16:18 (NIV)
Indeed, we find this true of King Nebuchadnezzar whom God took from the throne to the field to graze – literally! The entire story, found in Daniel 4, is well worth the read but here we are only focusing on the happy ending. After a period of time, King Neb looks up (smart move!) and God restores him to his throne. The following is his testimony:
36 At the same time that my sanity was restored, my honor and splendor were returned to me for the glory of my kingdom. My advisers and nobles sought me out, and I was restored to my throne and became even greater than before. 37 Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble. Dan 4:36-37 (NIV)
“All the arrows of God are aimed at proud hearts...If we forget to live at the foot of the cross in deepest lowliness of spirit, God will not forget to make us smart under His rod.” Charles H. Spurgeon