COME UP HITHER.
Proverbs 25:6-7.
This proverb is doubtless what Jesus had in mind when He made His own parable about people choosing the finest seats for themselves at a feast (Luke 14:7-11).
There are always ranks in society, any society. Solomon speaks of a king, and of “great men.” But he exhorts his pupils not to intrude themselves uninvited into such company (Proverbs 25:6).
It is better to take a ‘low’ place in the great hall, and to be invited, “Come up hither;” rather than to be sent down lower in public shame and humiliation (Proverbs 25:7).
The force of this argument is summed up in the reversal of roles indicated in Luke 14:11, which both abases the arrogant and elevates the humble. This is God’s work, and the order of priority in God’s kingdom.
Perhaps the greatest demonstration of this reversal comes from Jesus Himself (Philippians 2:6-11).
In the incarnation Jesus gathered our manhood into the Godhead. He willingly partook of death on our behalf, ‘even the death of the cross’ – and God exalted Him to the place where He now receives honour from all.
And this supreme example of humility is one that we must aspire to reflect in our own lives (Philippians 2:5)!
