This morning our verse was from Proverbs 11:2. This was a lesson that needed a dictionary.
We talked about pride and how it is distinguishing ourselves as better than others. When we hold up our accomplishments as if we are better than others or we hold ourselves as more superior than others because of our status, we are being prideful. Great leaders are those who recognize their fallibilities and rise above them, not because they know they are great but due to the need for something to be done. That is not pride.
We can get excited about accomplishments. We are allowed to be fulfilled and find joy in our passions and in our gifting. We should not, however, gloat or brag. I know this can be difficult when you do not receive recognition or are overlooked. I find that giving recognition will earn recognition. Give it a try.
With pride comes disgrace. Disgrace is anything that displeases God and/or yourself. Disgrace can be tantamount to a dethroning. The fall can be rough, especially from a tall pedestal. Beware the ides of pride.
As with all good Proverbs, we find the alternative to pride which is humility. Humble people do not brag about it. I told my kids that the best definition for humility I heard was in a sermon years ago: honor God foremost ; honor others next; and then do not neglect yourself.
Humility grows in tandem with wisdom. Wisdom is learning how to properly use the knowledge we acquire over time. Wisdom is a reminder of how to treat God, others, and self. Wisdom is a gift to be respected and nurtured.
So the next time you find yourself teetering, check your pride meter and meditate on the knowledge you have gained. You may just find how to act in true wisdom; surprising yourself and others.
How would you explain this verse?
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