WARNINGS REGARDING PRIDE
OBSERVATION: PROVERBS IS A COLLECTION OF WISE SAYINGS AND PRACTICAL PRINCIPLES OF A WELL-MANAGED LIFE. IT HAS BEEN CALLED “COMPRESSED EXPERIENCE.” READING A PROVERB TAKES LITTLE TIME: LIVING A PROVERB TAKES A LIFETIME! (DOUGLAS CONNELLY).
INTERPRETATION: PROVERBS 29:23 (NKJV) A MAN’S PRIDE WILL BRING HIM LOW, BUT THE HUMBLE IN SPIRIT WILL RETAIN HONOR.
POINTS TO PONDER:
WEBSTER’S DEFINITION OF FLATTERY (TO PRAISE SOMEONE EXCESSIVELY, EXTRAVAGANT PRAISE, INSINCERE).
MANY OF THE PROVERBS CONTRASTS THE ARROGANT WITH THE HUMBLE. THE HEBREW WORD FOR PRIDE MEANS, “TO BOIL UP”, ALLUDING TO EXTREME ARROGANCE OR INSOLENCE. SUCH CONDUCT ALWAYS LEADS TO SHAME.
READ PROVERBS 16: 18. MANY CHRISTIANS CAN QUOTE THIS VERSE BUT NOT ALL OBVIOUSLY HEED IT. WARNING REGARDING PRIDE ABOUNDS IN THE PROVERBS.
READ PROVERBS 18: 12. ETERNAL HONORS IS THE REWARD OF GENUINE HUMILITY. GOD HONORS YOUR TRUE HUMBLENESS!
APPLICATION: FLATTERY CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS. CORRECT A GOOD FRIEND IN A LOVING, COMPASSIONATE WAY!
