Devotion: Proverbs 18:12

Proverbs 18:12 Before a downfall the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.

Before we begin today’s devotion, let’s take a look at a few words in this proverb. We will start with haughty. Haughty (gabah) is derived from Hebrew roots and implies that one is “lifted up,” “high,” or “lofty,” indicating a conceited attitude. Contrast that with the Hebrew form of humility (anavah) which implies being bowed down, meek, or humble and you see just how much the two words are polar opposites.

In true proverbial format, we see two things that are vastly different, or as I said above, polar opposites. We are given pride in contrast to humility.

Before a downfall the heart is haughty. Not a comforting thought when you are a prideful person. I admit to being prideful at times. I try to be humble, but I catch myself being haughty sometimes, unintentionally. And when I do it is a humbling experience. I don’t like it when I realize I have elevated myself to a position where I am judging another person as being less than me in some way. It is not a good feeling to know pride has taken over, especially since we see in this verse that pride comes before a downfall. One who sets themselves up higher than others is going to tumble down at some point. Haughtiness is a direct warning sign of assured disaster. It can be considered a “spiritual blind spot.”

But humility comes before honor. True honor and recognition are preceded by humility. It requires us to humble ourselves rather than exalting ourselves. We have explored the definition of humility for a week so far this month, but all have been the Greek form of the word. Today’s word is in Hebrew, but the definition is the same – bowed down or meek, lowly. A humble person chooses to lower themselves and lifts others up instead. And when one does this, they will be rewarded with honor. Yet a humble person does not take pride in honor received. But honor they will receive, according to the proverb.

Which side do you find yourself on most of the time? Are you a prideful person or one who bows down with humility? Be honest with yourself and don’t try to justify things if you find yourself to be more prideful than humble. Choose humility. It takes practice and effort. It doesn’t happen instantly because we decide we are now humble. But humility is possible. With God, all things are possible.

Prayer: Lord, I don’t like when I am haughty and filled with pride. Help me to be humble, lifting others up and serving them rather than serving my own selfish needs. Amen

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