The Heart of Wisdom
Daily Old Testament Reading: Proverbs 8-11
Daily Focus Passage: Proverbs 11
Solomon presents concise truths through the Book of Proverbs. These short truths declared a message of warning, hope, and clarity. In Proverbs 11:2, Solomon presented the character of the heart of one who pursues wisdom. He penned, "When arrogance comes, disgrace follows, but with humility comes wisdom. "As we consider this truth, may we evaluate our hearts to check if the attitude of our hearts reveals arrogance or humility.
THE PRESENCE OF ARROGANCE
When arrogance enters the heart, we elevate the importance of the self and attempt to live by our merit and work. Arrogance manifests itself when we allow pride to dominate life. Pride occurs when we focus on nothing but the self, serve nothing but the self, and seek gain for nothing but the self. Pride makes all of life center around "I." Are you seeking to fulfill the self because of pride?
Solomon noted that arrogance sets a course for a life that leads to disgrace. Disgrace means that one experiences the feeling of guilt and shame. Guilt occurs when we recognize our messing up before the Lord. Guilt happens when we recognize our wayward condition and fail to live in obedience before the Lord. When guilt occurs authentically, then shame appears. Shame happens because of our remorse for our disobedience. When shame happens, we live in a state of embarrassment. The state of disgrace happens because the motivation from the pride of self leads to disappointment with the self. How does theme or disgrace impact your life to seek repentance?
THE PRESENCE OF HUMILITY
Solomon declared that the proper attitude of wisdom is humility. Humility counters pride because humility exists as thinking properly about the self. Humility is fueled when we recognize our genuine state before the glory and holiness of the Lord. We demonstrate humility when we see others as more important than ourselves. Humility promotes sacrifice and surrender and refuses to be self-serving. How would you measure the humility in your life?
Solomon mentioned that humility birthed true wisdom. Humility promotes wisdom because we focus on how little we know and become more dependent upon the Lord. As we grow in dependence, we gain access to the wisdom that comes from above and promotes living in righteousness. When we live in humility, we live in a state of trusting the Lord in faith and depending upon him. This approach to life allows for the guidance of the Lord to provide wisdom in our lives. When we consider our lives, do we find wisdom from the leading and guidance of the Lord?
