Proverbs 18: 12-13
Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.
He who answers before listening- that is his folly and his shame.
These two proverbs bring to mind a point we have heard more than once over the last few years. When I don’t ask for God’s help, I am acting as though I have the power to make my own future. I am, in effect, answering before listening. This to me is the essence of pride, and is a recipe for a poor outcome. In every circumstance, it is right to ask for God’s guidance, and to look and listen for his response.
Father, in these proverbs I see my errors. I am sorry for all of the times I take charge without remembering to ask for your help. You are so patient with me. Amen
Becky, transforming
Proverbs 18:12-13 12 Haughtiness goes before destruction; humility precedes honor. Haughtiness— what a great “old” word. We don’t use it much today. What we do use is arrogant and overbearing. Both have a distinctly negative meaning. Some versions say pride goes before the fall. God is telling us to be humble about our works in his name and not to boast or brag. Remember yesterday, he told us our boasting or bragging should be about God and our faith in him. Prayer: gracious God may my works and words show praise to you. Amen
Proverbs 18:12-13
Humility: the state of not thinking you are better than other people: the state of being humble. In other words, there is not an ounce of capability within us to do what humility requires of us, unless God works within us and our hearts that we will recognize the hard truths about ourselves, lower ourselves before others, and learn from them. Honor: respect that is given to someone who is admired. Good reputation, good quality or character as judged by other people. High moral standards of behavior. A true person of honor knows how to serve. God knows all about serving, service and servant. Jesus is the greatest man to have walked this earth, yet He serv…
Proverbs 18: 12-13
13 To answer before listening that is folly and shame.
This probably has nothing to do with this verse, but I have always had a problem with people who do not listen. You are speaking with the person and you know that their mind is elsewhere. When this happens to me I get so upset. I know I should turn the other cheeks, so to speak, but I do get upset. But the really important thing is that God is always listening to me. No matter what I say, he hears. Sometimes this isn’t too good as what I am saying isn’t God like, but he listens and if necessary he helps me speak more positively. Humans…
Proverbs 18: 12-13
Scripture can be compelling at multiple levels, and this is a prime example. One’s attitude and relationship to God is but one level at which these words of wisdom apply. At the level of our interactions with one another I am chastened to recall where pride had a price in my professional dealings and the countless times over my marriage wherein I thoughtlessly tossed out an “answer” when what I should have been doing was listening to Becky’s heart. We all remain works in progress. Fortunately we have an instruction manual if we are wise enough to use it.
Prayer - Gracious God, please forgive my lapses of wisdom, straying from Your word in prideful rebellion. Teach…