Scripture reading – Proverbs 27
Our brief study in the Proverbs continues with chapter 27. Though filled with golden nuggets of “uncommon common sense,” the focus of our devotional will be limited to Proverbs 27:2.
The Book of Proverbs is a king’s instructions to his son. On several occasions, Solomon has expressed concern that the heart of his son might not be lifted up in pride. Born into a home of wealth and privilege, it would have been easy for a young prince to be carried away by the grandeur of the palace, and the presence of servants ever ready at his beckon call. Proverbs 27:2 presents a wonderful consideration regarding the insightful counsel of a father who understood the bent of the heart of his son. Lest he be led astray by the pride of youth, Solomon urged his son to recognize how uncomely it was for a man to boast, and praise himself.
Proverbs 27:2 – “Let another man praise thee [boast; celebrate; sing your praises], and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips [speech].”
Few things are as repulsive as a man boasting in his achievements. It is, however, the nature of man to “proclaim every one his own goodness” (Proverbs 20:6). Such a man has forgotten the raw clay from which he was taken. While praise and acknowledgement are rewarding, they ring hollow when expressed by one’s own lips.
Why is a conceited, pompous, self-congratulatory spirit so distasteful to others, and inappropriate before God?
The answer is clear – because it is not the Spirit of God, but the evil spirit of self-promotion. The prophet Isaiah, comparing the fall of Nebuchadnezzar, the great king of Babylon, to the fall of Lucifer, noted how that fallen angel had boasted in his pride, and exalted himself to be the Creator’s equal (Isaiah 14:12-15). Notice the number of times Lucifer employed the pronoun “I” to glory in himself.
Isaiah 14:12-15 – How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!
13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:
14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.
15 Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.
Closing thoughts – Before you dismiss the thought of being proud and vain, evaluate how much of your conversations are actually self-focused? Are you given to bragging and boasting? Does your social media wall reveal you to be arrogant, self-righteous, and self-promoting?
The ugly little secret is: others have already noticed how much of your life is self-focused.
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Copyright © 2021 – Travis D. Smith
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