"PRIDE GOETH BEFORE DESTRUCTION, AND AN HAUGHTY SPIRIT BEFORE A FALL." So says the wise King. Pride is a great evil: to indulge it is to nourish a serpent in the bosom. The grace of God always humbles us; and it is only as we are humble that we can be at peace. God condescends to walk with the humble man, but He keeps the proud at a distance. Consider what you were by nature, what now lurks in your heart, what you would have been but for the grace of God, and be humble. All you have is the gift of free grace; all you do that is good, is God's working in you. What have you to be proud of? What reason is there to boast? O lie low in the dust of self-abasement; cherish humbling thoughts of yourself; appreciate the mercy and infinite compassion of God in condescending to so vile, so unworthy a worm! Study the character and conduct of the humble Jesus, learn of Him, and endeavour to walk as He also walked. Serve the Lord in all humility of mind. But beware of spurious humility! It is hypocrisy, which is acting a part, pretending to be what one is not. Let us walk without pretence, in lowliness of mind aiming at the highest duties God has commanded, and only for His glory.

For Meditation:
By faith in Christ I walk with God,
With heav'n, my journey's end, in view;
Supported by His staff and rod,
My road is safe and pleasant too:
Though earth and hell my course withstand,
Jehovah leads me by His hand.