Authored by Lou Geense
 
Read: Proverbs 25:1-7
Vs. 6-7 –    Do not exalt yourself in the king’s presence, and do not claim a place among his great men; it is better for him to say . . . “Come up here,” than for him to humiliate you.
 

Reflect:
If you were overly confident about yourself a good read of Proverbs 25 would help to reset your attitude. Jesus was an observer of people’s attitudes & actions, knowing that attitude comes from what is deep in the heart.  At a dinner ­hosted at a Pharisee’s house, Jesus noticed how the guests were picking places of honour closest to their host.
 
Jesus told the clamouring guests a parable about humility that echoes the proverb in our reading today. He stated, “All those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted” (Luke 14:11). Proverbs 16:18 also affirms this: “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”
 
A wise person understands Jesus’ words as he applied Solomon’s wisdom. A wise person realizes that God’s Word has sufficient guidelines to help us keep our walk
in wise ways. This includes not thinking too highly of ourselves. Trumpeting one’s accomplishments gives little honour to those to whom the credit is actually due. The political forum is often a good example being overly confident.
 
Proverbs proclaims wisdom. It is all about grace. It is all about what God accomplishes in us, through us—and, often, despite us. So, let’s believe and live by God’s grace!
 
Pray:
Our heavenly Father make us instruments of your grace and help us to understand that we are your instruments and not the decision makers. Help us Lord to walk circumspectly and in your grace. Amen.