Humility and Honor - September 4 Readings: Job 25-26, 1 Corinthians 7:17–40, Psalm 104:16–22, Proverbs 22:3–4

Links to September 4 Readings: Job 25-26, 1 Corinthians 7:17–40, Psalm104:16–22, Proverbs 22:3–4

What is the root of all sin? The Bible makes that pretty clear. We read stories of what caused the greatest of the angelic beings to rebel against God and become Satan, the accuser, the enemy of God. We then see that same creature, in the form of a serpent, speaking to Adam and Eve and appealing to them on the same basis. The sin was pride. Rather than serving God, Adam and Eve could "become like gods" instead, if they only sinned.

Pride is an insult to God - when we lift ourselves up to a standing we do not deserve we automatically demean God. Pride is rebellion, the failure to recognize God for who he is and see ourselves in the light of his glory and greatness.

And pride is self-destructive. The proud cannot experience God's blessings or power, eliminating themselves by their arrogance.

Proverbs has a lot to say about the dangers of pride and the blessings of humility.  Proverbs 22:4 is one of those verses.

The result of humility is the fear of the Lord,
along with wealth, honor and life. 

Humility is part and parcel of a proper relationship with God and an attitude of holy awe, of respectful fear. We cannot walk with God and walk in pride at the same time. "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord," God's word commands.

When we humble ourselves before God, he lifts us up and pours out blessings on us. Our verse today describes them as wealth, honor and life. Humility brings blessing.

Father, may I walk in humility, recognizing that I am nothing without you, that it is only by your grace that I stand.