October 8, 2018: Day 58 – Proverbs 16

I guess we can focus on vs.18 here.  The verse is where we get the statement: pride comes before the fall.  But it doesn’t limit itself just to that.  It actually states: “pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”   Yes, it is the same thing, but there is a double understanding that is important for us to recognize.  Pride is that within us, which we mentioned the last chapter, which makes us think that we can handle things on our own.  At times it goes beyond that.  At times we think we are invincible and nothing that we do can be stopped.  Pride is that within us which makes us believe that we are the creators and we are the ultimate arbiters in all things in our life.  

At a certain point in our life we ought to come to the realization that there is so much more beyond our control than we could ever imagine.  Just that realization alone ought to be humbling, but not debilitating.  Humility is not an excuse for inaction.  Humility is not synonymous with submission.  Humility is not the same as cowardice.  Humility is what Jesus exhibited.  Fear is the opposite of humility.  It takes strength to be humble, it is not weakness.  I could go on and on, but I am not sure I know of any other identifying feature of my Savior which is more inspirational than His  humility, except maybe His love.