He
layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous (Prov 2:7)
Wisdom and Foolishness – A Contrast: Pride vs
Humility: Proverbs 18:9-13
9) He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a
great waster.
10) The name of the LORD [is]
a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
11) The rich man's wealth [is]
his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit.
12) Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour [is] humility.
13) He that answereth a matter before he heareth [it], it [is] folly and
shame unto him.
In
this text, Solomon compares the actions of the proud with those of the humble…
EXPOSITION:
9) He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a
great waster.
The
proud man believes he can do as he pleases with no fear of retribution from the
Lord or other earthly authorities.
Because of this attitude...
1. he slacks off from his responsibilities
2. his actions cause him to become a master of ruin,
corruption and gradual decay.
“[Let] love be without
dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. [Be] kindly affectioned
one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Not slothful in business;
fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
Rejoicing in hope; patient
in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.” (Romans 12:9-13)
10) The name of the LORD [is]
a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
Those
who are humble recognize their need of the Lord this results in:
1.
he recognizes that the Lord is a strong firm place of refuge and safety.
2.
he recognizes his need of that protection and runs to the Lord desiring His
protection and grace.
“For thou hast been a
shelter for me, [and] a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in thy
tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah.” (Psalms 61:3-4)
11) The rich man's wealth [is]
his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit.
The
proud man believes that he is self-sufficient, therefore:
1.
he relies on his wealth and possessions to meet his every need.
2.
he believes he is safe and secure without the need of the Lord or anyone else.
“Trust not in oppression, and become not vain
in robbery: if riches increase, set not your heart [upon them]. God hath spoken once;
twice have I heard this; that power [belongeth] unto God. Also unto thee, O Lord,
[belongeth] mercy: for thou renderest to every man according to his work.” (Psalms 62:10-12)
12) Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour [is] humility.
The
difference between pride and humility is clearly seen in their consequences:
1.
pride brings about breaking and bruising
that leads to eventual destruction. (although the results of pride comes upon a
person gradually, it will eventually bring utter ruin).
2. when there is humility in lifestyle and
character it will bring honor and respect
“Behold, this was the
iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of
idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand
of the poor and needy. And they were haughty, and
committed abomination before me: therefore I took them away as I saw [good]. “ (Ezekiel 16:49-50)
13) He that answereth a matter before he heareth [it], it [is] folly and
shame unto him.
The
prideful man assumes he always has the proper answer and knows what is best for
all men. That is why:
1. he doesn’t take the time to try to understand
the issue he is addressing. He quickly
and flippantly speaks without thought.
2. his speech is what shows his true character
and lack of wisdom. He is shown as
foolish and disgraceful.
“Then shalt thou enquire,
and make search, and ask diligently; and, behold, [if it be] truth, [and] the
thing certain, [that] such abomination is wrought among you;” (Deuteronomy 13:14)
SUMMARY:
The
differences between pride and humility are great and unmistakable. Their presence in us touch every area of our
life. Let us all seek to always remind
ourselves of our great need of Christ and submission to His desires for our
lives. This is the core of Godly
humility and the key to living a blessed life in Him.
By
God’s grace, let us all study these proverbs diligently, giving them the value
that they deserve.
May the
Lord bless us as we receive this sound wisdom and then “Think On These Things”.
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