One of the strongest messages in all the Bible is the truth that God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. It is a message so important that it appears three times in Scripture, first in Proverbs 3:34, and then twice repeated in the New Testament by James and Peter. So, let’s think about that statement today. “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
I don’t know about you, but I certainly don’t want to be a part of anything God resists! I’d much rather be on the side of humility in which I receive God’s grace. But what exactly does it mean to be proud or to be humble? To help us understand, let’s remember these principles:
Pride promotes self; humility lets God do the promoting.
Pride considers what’s best for me; humility considers what’s best for others.
Pride has a short fuse; humility has a long fuse.
Pride says, “I know I’m right;” humility says, “I could be wrong.”
Pride looks down on others; humility looks out for others.
Pride thinks he doesn’t want any help; humility knows he needs lots of help.
Pride complains; humility is grateful.
Pride rebels against authority; humility submits to authority.
Pride rejects counsel; humility seeks counsel.
Pride has to have it my way; humility is willing to yield.
Pride is quick to speak; humility is quick to listen.
By nature, we are prideful people, but we can walk in humility with God’s help. “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up” (James 4:10). Let’s be careful to always humbly look to God to receive His grace.
Reflections 