Proverbs 16:1-33

Proverbs 16:1-33

Proverbs 16:18 "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall."

This is one of the most misquoted proverbs. Pride goeth before destruction, not just a fall! Pride is a sin, and it is all about giving ourselves the glory for the circumstances of life or the works of our hands. Instead we should give God the glory! Even God, when looking down at Jesus' earthly baptism did not say "I am so proud of my Son", but rather, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."

When we consider the things we have pride in: a home, a child, our job - and then think of how easy it would for us not to have inherited those things - we will be truly thankful for His blessings, rather than proud of our meager accomplishments with what God has provided.

The Bible teaches that in us, no good thing dwells. If we followed our own nature, we would not accomplish anything spiritual. Even the lost world tries to bring the fruits of their own hands to God: giving to the poor, being kind to a neighbor, visiting the sick. But God looks on the motivation for such acts, and calls all of our righteousness filthy rags. Do you give to the poor out of pure and undefiled charity, or so that you will look good, or make yourself feel happier or less guilty over what you possess? Are you kind to your neighbors out of holy love and concern for them, or so that your life will be easier, so they will watch over your house, or so they will think highly of you? Do you visit the sick with only their benefit in mind, or for social standing, selfish reasons, or even as a tribute to some earthly person you are trying to honor?

The good that comes in man, comes only from the Lord. It is when we submit to God and allow Him to work in our lives that any real good works come from what we do - and it is not us really doing it, but He that works through us! When you come to terms with this Christian truth, you find there is really no room for pride in any area of our lives.