Destruction vs. Honour Part 2

Proverbs 18:12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility. 

Contrasting Paths – Pride vs. Humility: The Path of Pride: A haughty heart refuses to yield and trusts in itself. It neglects God, ignores warnings, and ultimately leads to a sudden fall (Matt. 23:12; Luke 14:11). The Path of Humility: A humble spirit is willing to serve and trusts in God alone. It depends on Him, reveres His guidance, embraces correction, and receives lasting honour.

Five examples of destruction through pride: Lucifer exalted himself above God and was cast down (Ezek. 28:11-17; 1Tim. 3:6). Jezebel had pride in power and idolatry and ended in a violent death (2Kin. 9:30-33). Goliath mocked God’s people and fell by a shepherd boy (1Sam. 17). Nebuchadnezzar boasted in his kingdom and was humbled by madness (Dan. 4). Belshazzar defied God by profaning holy vessels and was slain that very night (Dan. 5).

Five examples of humility before honour: Joseph was humbled through slavery and prison, then exalted in Egypt (Gen. 37-44). Gideon called himself the least, and God made him a mighty deliverer (Jdg. 6). David was a humble shepherd and was chosen as king after Saul (1Sam. 17-18). Solomon asked not for riches, but wisdom; God gave him both (1Kin. 3). Jesus Christ humbled Himself unto death; God exalted Him above all (Php. 2:5-11).

Pride goes before a fall (cf. Pro. 16:18); humility precedes honour. Destruction may not always be immediate, but pride sets a person on a collision course with God’s justice.

Humility, on the other hand, invites God’s grace: “God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble” (Jas. 4:6).

Evaluate your heart and depart from any form of pride, whether in success, relationships or talents. Repent from them by asking God to forgive you in those areas and to change you. Practice humility: be quick to listen, slow to speak, open to correction, and willing to serve. Don’t chase honour, pursue humility, and let God raise you up in His time (Jas. 4:10; 1Pet. 5:6).

Pride brings collapse; humility brings elevation. The proud build on sand. The humble build on the Rock. In God’s economy, the way up is down; only the lowly are lifted.