I love the dichotomies of the Bible. Her is yet another one dealing with pride and humility.
"Haughtiness comes before disaster, and humility before honor." Proverbs 18:12, Amplified
Haughtiness is an archaic word pertaining to pride. Pride will always precede disaster. The captain of the Titanic was a very prideful person who was warned about the possible dangers. Instead of heeding to the advice of less distinguished persons, he proceeded the way he felt best. What happened next is a piece of tragic history that everyone one knows about.
When it comes to pride, it becomes a sin when it eclipses everyone around you as well as the Lord. I am proud of my kids. I am also proud of certain achievements in my life. However, my focus is not diverted from the Lord. I still have a clear understanding of who He is in my life.
The second part of this verse deals with humility. If we are to humble ourselves, then we will be honored. Jesus Himself stated, "When you are invited by anyone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in the best place, lest anyone more honorable than you be invited by him; and he who invited you and him come and say to you, 'Give place to this man,' and then you begin with shame to take the lowest place. But when you are invited, go sit in the lowest place, so that when he who invited you comes he may say to you, 'Friend, go up higher.' Then you will give glory in the presence of those who sit at the table with you. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." (Luke 14:8-11, NKJV)
Pride and humility are the antithesis of each other. If you are one, you cannot be the other. The throne of the heart has room for one king. Is it you or Jesus?
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