Scripture Reading

Psalm 18:27 For thou wilt save the afflicted people; but wilt bring down high looks.

Insight on the Word

God has done much to lift us from a life of sin and death. Paul declares that God has “raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:” (Ephesians 2:6) Truly God values us and we should too. That being said Paul tells the believer that he is not to “think of himself more highly than he ought to think;” (Romans 12:3) If we do, that is called pride!

To be proud is to have the estimation of ourselves that we are high, exalted, on a higher plane than others. It is a display of excessive self-esteem. We are told in Proverbs 6:16-17 that this kind of thinking (pride), God hates!

The prideful think they are self sufficient and do not feel as though they need God. “The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts.” (Psalm 10:4) But God says He will not put up with pride in man. “…him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer.” (Psalm 101:5) God says He “resisteth the proud” (James 4:6)

As a top priority we are to stay away from pride. If we do, God promises that He will give “grace unto the humble.” (James 4:6) As we walk in humility God “shall lift you up.” (James 3:10) We are to “be clothed with humility.” (1 Peter 5:5) As we do, God Himself will “exalt you in due time.” (1 Peter 5:6)

God will bring down those who are proud, but that does not include the believer who is walking in humility. For he knows he is what he is, because God has made him what he is! Like Paul the apostle he knows that he can only “do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13)

Speak the Word — God brings down the prideful, I will resist pride! (Psalm 18:27)

Daily Bible Reading — 1 Samuel 8 – 10