Proverbs 11:2-3—”Considering how safe, and quiet, and easy the humble are, we see that with the lowly is wisdom. An honest man’s principles are fixed, therefore his way is plain.”
Pride is defined as a feeling of deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one’s achievements, associations, or from qualities or possessions that are widely admired. In simple words this can be translated as the feeling of ‘self-made achievement’. Therefore we don’t give due credit to the One who gave us the talent, ability and opportunity to showcase ourself. We are made by God in His image with a purpose to fulfill on this earth. Along with our image, God apportioned each one of us with relevant skills and talents that are required for the purpose that He has for us. So when we recognize, thank, acknowledge God and give the glory back to Him, we are then called humble – to know our role/position in God’s big plan. When we stay humble and in God’s ways, the Holy Spirit will guide us and give us wisdom on what to do and how to proceed. Of course God’s ways are best and this causes us not only to succeed but to excel. We can stay true to God’s principles when we will follow His ways which are spelled out in His word, the Bible.
If we choose to ‘use our plans and devises, and go our own way in pride’:
-We won’t be able able to always succeed Satan’s temptations or thwarting of our plans
-Hence we may not succeed, let alone excel, or even complete the work that we started
-All this will finally destroy our attempts and effort of work; and bring us shame
-The averseness to God’s Word will cause us, transgressors, to be destroyed.
But when we ‘follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit’:
–We will have integrity in our ways and dealings
–We will work with wisdom and knowledge revealed to us by God
–We will find favour with others
So, we must choose to pray and read the Word to maintain a strong relationship with God. By doing this, we ensure wisdom and discernment in making our choices: to be swollen with pride vs to be humble (those who are lowly, who have been pruned or chiseled by trial, and renounced self). These lowly, yet guided, folks are skillful and godly with Wisdom and soundness.
