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THE PROUD AND THE HUMBLE
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3
James 4:6

Proverbs 3:27-35

 

“…he scorneth the scorners:

but he giveth grace unto the lowly.”

 

THE PROUD AND THE HUMBLE
 
The proud refers to the arrogant and haughty. He is an empty boaster who brags about his position and despises others. How about the humble? The original word describes a person who is discouraged. He is lacking in hope because he is dejected, downhearted. He is possibly associated with a low social status. How does the gracious God treat these two types of people?
 
Resists the proud: The word “resisteth” means to “set in array against.” The term describes setting oneself against or opposing and being hostile towards another (Acts 18:6). James condemns the sin of pride. He uses a military term that tells us how God resists the proud. The term signifies that the Lord Himself is at the forefront in a battle arrayed against the proud. God sets Himself against the proud sinners to punish and plague them. They are wholly out of His favour. He hates them with high displeasure. He will expose them to His wrath, and nothing can protect them except their repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
 
Gives grace to the humble: The word “giveth” is in the present tense, which depicts the Lord as One who continually, generously extends His grace. What comfort to the humble! It portrays God as tirelessly on the side of those who are discouraged. Let us remember that James’ readers were suffering Christians under persecution by the Jews. God never falters concerning our needs. He always has more grace at hand available for us. He is never less than sufficient. He always has more, and yet more to give. Read what Jesus says in Matthew 23:11-12.
 
Dear reader, who are you in the sight of the Lord? Are you proud? Then God is resisting you. You have no means to fight against God. You must surrender and repent of your sins. Or are you downcast and discouraged? Never despair nor be dismayed, for the grace of our God will never be out of stock. He gives more and more to the humble.
 
THOUGHT: Am I a proud man or a meek one?
PRAYER: Father, help me see the vanity of the pride of life and that it cannot help me to please Thee.

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