Tag: Life

Pride vs A Humble Spirit

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Proverbs 16:18-19 Pride goes before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud. 

‘Pride goes before destruction.’ Scripture provides clear examples of individuals and nations who fell because of pride: Asahel – His overconfidence in pursuit led to his death (2Sam. 2:18-23). Benhadad – His arrogant demands and refusal to heed the warning brought about defeat (1Kin. 20:3, 11, 32). Babylon – Boasted in self-security and wisdom, yet destruction came swiftly (Isa. 47:10-11). Azariah – Rejected God’s word and faced judgment (Jer. 43:2-11). Nebuchadnezzar – Exalted himself over Babylon, and God humbled him (Dan. 4:30-31). Edom – Trusted in their high position and strength, but were brought low (Obad. 1:3-4). Herod Agrippa – Accepted glory as a god and was struck down by God (Acts 12:21-23).

One of the core temptations of humanity is the pride of life (Gen. 3:6; 1Jn. 2:15-17). This form of pride often manifests through: Self-righteous boasting (Job 32:1). Seeking position and exaltation (Gen. 3:5; Ezek. 28:11-17; 1Tim. 3:6; 3Jn. 1:9). Craving power and control (Lev. 26:19). Trusting in wealth (Ps. 39:6; Ezek. 28:5). Boasting in beauty (Ezek. 28:11, 17). Pride in military strength (2Chr. 26:16). Glorying in sexual exploits, pleasures, and vanity (1Jn. 2:15; Ps. 24:4; 36:2; Isa. 3:16). These attitudes distance us from God and place confidence in self rather than in the Lord.

As Proverbs 16:19 reminds us: “Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.” In other words, it is far better to walk in humility among the humble than to align ourselves with the arrogant and their temporary gains.

Preserves His Soul

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Proverbs 16:17 The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keeps his way preserves his soul. 

‘The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keeps his way preserves his soul.’ The life path of the righteous is marked by a continual turning away from evil. It is not just a one-time decision but a daily, conscious commitment to reject sin and pursue holiness. For the upright, this moral highway is not only a direction, it is a way of life shaped by discernment, integrity, and obedience to God.

To depart from evil means to actively resist temptation, avoid corrupt influences, and separate oneself from anything that compromises godly character. It reflects a heart that loves righteousness and hates sin, valuing the condition of the soul over temporary gain or pleasure.

“He that keeps his way” refers to the one who carefully watches over his conduct, staying alert and intentional in how he lives. This watchfulness is not rooted in fear but in reverence for God and a desire to remain aligned with His will.

In doing so, he “preserves his soul”- guarding it from spiritual destruction, moral compromise, and eternal loss. This verse reminds us that righteousness is protective; it shields the soul from harm and leads to lasting peace and security.

Get Wisdom

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Proverbs 16:16 How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver! 

‘How much better is it to get wisdom than gold.’ Few truly believe this, as shown by how much more people seek wealth than wisdom.

Humanity often fails to recognize the true worth of wisdom and understanding. These treasures cannot be found in the depths of the earth or the sea. They cannot be purchased with gold, silver, or any precious stones. Their value far surpasses that of jewels, fine gold, coral, or pearls – wisdom is more precious than rubies or anything material we may desire (Job 28:14-19).

Wisdom is hidden from all living creatures and cannot be discovered by human effort alone. It comes from one source only – God Himself (Job 28:20-23).

The King’s Countenance

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Proverbs 16:12-15 It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness. Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaks right. The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it. In the light of the king’s countenance is life; and his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain. 

‘To kings’ – Throughout the book of Proverbs, the ideal form of monarchy is assumed, one that is governed justly and righteously. The proverbs on leadership are clear and direct, including those found in Proverbs 16:12-15.

Fifteen Biblical principles about Kings (or Leaders): Leaders must rule with justice, making decisions grounded in fairness and integrity (16:10). Righteousness is the foundation of true leadership; leaders must not compromise with evil (16:12). Leaders must be unwavering in their commitment to righteousness. A passion for truth should define every leader (16:13). True leaders honour and uplift those who live righteously (16:13; 20:26). Leaders possess the power to influence lives, for good or for harm (16:14). Even powerful rulers can be influenced by humility and wisdom. A leader’s favour brings life and blessing to those under their rule (16:15). Self-control is essential; leaders must not be easily provoked to anger (20:2). Wicked individuals fear and respect righteous leaders (20:8). A leader’s strength is found in mercy and truth, not force alone (20:28). Respect for leaders is an extension of respect for God’s established order in society (24:21). A righteous king brings peace and stability to a nation (29:4). Leaders must be sober-minded and self-disciplined, avoiding indulgence and excess (31:4). A leader’s duty is to uphold the law and ensure justice for all (31:5).

These principles offer a timeless standard for leadership rooted in God’s wisdom, calling all in authority to govern with integrity, humility, and righteousness.

A Just Weight

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Proverbs 16:11 A just weight and balance are the LORD’S: all the weights of the bag are his work. 

‘A just weight and balance are the LORD’s.’ Just weights and honest scales are ordained by God (11:1; Lev. 19:36).

‘All the weights of the bag’ refers to the standard weights kept in the sanctuary, used as the national benchmark to ensure fairness in commerce. It may also refer to the weights merchants carried in their pouches or belts, used to weigh money in trade. These tools were to reflect integrity and truth in every transaction.

Deceit is fundamentally falsehood (Ps. 119:118). Scripture teaches that deceit originates in the human heart (Jer. 17:9; Mark 7:22; Rom. 3:13). God utterly abhors it (Ps. 5:6) and commands His people to avoid it entirely (Job 27:4; 31:5; Pro. 24:28; 1Pet. 3:10). God’s faithful people are to be free from deceit (Ps. 24:4; Isa. 53:9; Zeph. 3:13; 1Pet. 2:22; Rev. 14:5). We are called to reject deceit (Ps. 43:1; 72:14; 101:7; 120:2; Eph. 5:6; Col. 2:8) and put it away completely (2Cor. 4:2; 1Thess. 2:3; 1Pet. 2:1). Scripture consistently links deceit with the wicked (Ps. 10:7; 35:20; 36:3; 38:12; Pro. 11:18; 12:5; 20:17; Jer. 9:5; 37:9; 2Tim. 3:13), with false teachers (Job 15:35; Pro. 12:17; Jer. 14:14; 23:26; Rom. 16:18; 2Cor. 11:13; Eph. 4:14; 2Thess. 2:1-17; 2Pet. 2:13; 2 John 1:7), and warns of its destructive consequences (Ps. 10:7; 24:4-5; 32:2; 55:23; Pro. 14:8, 25; 26:24; 27:6; Jer. 8:5; 9:6). God requires truth in the inward parts, not just outward behaviour, but inward integrity (Ps. 51:6). His desire is to renew and perfect our inner being daily through the gospel (2Cor. 4:16). This is the true test of character (Ps. 15:1-5): living with honesty, justice, and sincerity in all dealings.

His Mouth Transgresses Not

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Proverbs 16:10 A divine sentence is in the lips of the king: his mouth transgresses not in judgment. 

‘A divine sentence is in the lips of the king: his mouth transgresses not in judgment.’ The law of God, His divine oracle, is entrusted to the king to guide him in making just judgments. He must not act unfaithfully or neglect his duty to uphold it with integrity.

Romans 13:3 teaches that civil rulers are not meant to instil fear in those who do good, but in those who do evil. Their God-given role is not to intimidate law-abiding citizens but to restrain and punish wrongdoers who harm society. If you live under the law, there is no reason to be afraid, assuming authorities are enforcing justice as they should.

A Sevenfold message regarding civil authority: Submit to governing authorities – Show respect and willingly subject yourself to rulers and officials (Tit. 3:1; Rom. 13:1-8; 1Pet. 2:13-18). Obey local officials – Follow the leadership of civil magistrates and community leaders (Tit. 3:1; Rom. 13:1-8). Be ready for every good work – Always be prepared to engage in the right actions that benefit others (Tit. 3:1). Speak no evil of anyone – Guard your speech and refrain from slander or criticism (Tit. 3:2; Jas. 3:1-18). Avoid quarrels – Do not be argumentative or contentious (Tit. 3:2; 1Tim. 3:3). Be gentle – Treat others with kindness, patience, and grace (Tit. 3:2; Php. 4:5). Show meekness to all – Live with humility, reflecting the fruit of the Spirit through self-control and compassion (Gal. 5:22-23).

This teaching emphasizes that Christians should be exemplary citizens, marked by obedience, humility, and a commitment to good works while trusting that God ultimately holds all authority.

Devises His Ways

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Proverbs 16:9 – A man’s heart devises his way: but the LORD directs his steps. 

‘A man’s heart devises his way: but the LORD directs his steps.’ A righteous person may have many plans in their heart, but it is the Lord who ultimately directs their steps. We align ourselves with His direction by seeking His wisdom and guidance in all areas of life (3:5-6). It’s essential to recognise that God’s guidance doesn’t override our free will; He doesn’t force our choices. Instead, He reveals the likely outcomes of our decisions, helping us understand the path we’re choosing. When things go wrong, blaming God is often just a way of avoiding personal responsibility.

“Directs his steps” – Eight examples of God guiding people: Joseph’s brothers – Their harmful intent was used by God to fulfil a greater purpose (Gen. 37:18-28; 45:5). Pharaoh’s daughter – Found and raised Moses, playing a key role in God’s plan (Exo. 2:5). Saul – Directed to Samuel while searching for lost donkeys (1Sam. 9:3-16; 23:26-28). Jesse – Unknowingly sent David, God’s chosen king, to the battlefield (1Sam. 16:8-11; 17:23, 53). The Syrians – Captured a young girl who would lead Naaman to healing (2Kin. 5:2). Zacchaeus was positioned in the right place to encounter Jesus (Luke 19:1-10). The Samaritan woman – Met Jesus at the well, leading to the salvation of many (John 4:7). Saul (Paul) – On his way to persecute Christians, he encountered Christ and was transformed (Acts 9:1-18).

Better is…

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Proverbs 16:8 Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right. 

‘Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right.’ It is better to be poor and righteous than to be rich and wicked.

Seventeen “Better” sayings in Proverbs: Wisdom is better than gold and silver (3:14; 8:19). Wisdom is better than rubies (3:15; 8:11). A person who is despised but lives humbly is better than one who honours himself falsely (12:9). A little with the fear of the Lord is better than great treasure with trouble (15:16). A simple meal with love is better than a rich feast filled with hatred (15:17). A patient person is better than a hot-tempered warrior (16:32). One who controls his spirit is better than one who conquers a city (16:32). A dry morsel with peace is better than a house full of feasting with strife (17:1). A poor person who lives honestly is better than a fool who speaks perversely (19:1). A poor man is better than a liar (19:22). It is better to live alone in a corner of the roof than with a quarrelsome wife in a spacious house (21:9; 25:24). It is better to dwell in the wilderness than with a contentious and angry woman (21:19). It is better to be honoured later than to exalt oneself and be humiliated (25:7). Open rebuke is better than hidden love (27:5). A nearby neighbour is better than a distant relative in times of need (27:10). A righteous poor man is better than a wicked rich man (28:6). It is better to live rightly in humility than to enjoy wealth gained through sin.

These comparisons highlight the enduring value of character, wisdom, peace, and godliness over wealth, pride, or outward success.

Be At Peace

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Proverbs 16:7  When a man’s ways please the LORD, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. 

‘When a man’s ways please the LORD, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.’ God raises up peace for those who serve Him and do His will. Romans 12:18 encourages us to live at peace with everyone, as much as it depends on us. However, this doesn’t mean we are called to be friends with everyone (1Jn. 2:15-17), nor does it mean we should tolerate sin in our lives or form compromising relationships (2Cor. 6:14-18).

In the spirit of Christ, we are called to be peacemakers, for the children of God are known by their love. Where there is strife, we bring gentleness; where there is hurt, we offer forgiveness. Just as Christ reconciled us to God, we too are to pursue reconciliation with one another. Let anger be slow to rise and mercy quick to flow, for peace is the fruit of a heart ruled by the Spirit. Seek not only to avoid conflict, but to be a bridge of grace, showing patience, humility, and kindness in all things.

For in peace, the presence of God dwells richly. And where peace reigns, love abides.

Depart from Evil

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Proverbs 16:6 By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil. 

‘By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.’ Through God’s mercy and truth, atonement is made for sin and iniquity is cleansed; and it is by reverent fear of the Lord that people turn away from evil (John 16:6; Tit. 3:5).

Fourteen blessings that come from fearing the Lord: It is the beginning and foundation of true wisdom (1:7; 9:10). It influences and ultimately determines one’s eternal destiny (1:29). It leads a person to turn away from evil (3:7; 16:6). It produces a hatred for sin and wrongdoing (8:13). It adds both length and quality to life (10:27). It brings deep, unwavering confidence (14:26). It is a source of spiritual vitality and life (14:27). It brings peace, contentment, and satisfaction (15:16). It is essential for gaining wisdom and instruction (15:33). It leads to a life marked by stability and fulfilment (19:23). It results in true riches, honour, and long life (22:4). It frees the heart from envy and jealousy (23:17). It brings God’s blessing and prosperity (Eccl. 8:12; Isa. 33:6). It is closely tied to humility before God (Isa. 2:10-21).

The fear of the Lord is not terror, but a reverent awe that transforms how we live, leading to both spiritual and practical blessings.