Memorise:
And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know. 1 Corinthians 8:2
Read: Psalm 49:6-7
6 They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches;
7 None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him:
Message
An individual who believes he or she is wiser than other people is proud.
Proverbs 26:12 says:
“Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? There is more hope of a fool than of him.”
It is bad enough to be a fool, but this Scripture tells us that a person who thinks he knows more than every other person is in worse shape. While there may still be a ray of hope left for the fool, the case of the proud is almost completely hopeless. 1 Corinthians 8:2 says:
“And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.”
It is what some people know that makes them proud (1 Corinthians 8:1). The knowledge of God that you have should not generate pride in you but strength (Daniel 11:32). As a husband, if you say you are not proud, why then is it that you don’t entertain the useful suggestions of your wife? As a leader, do you operate with others under you as if you are the custodian of knowledge? If you are not proud, you will be able to learn from your subordinates and even from your children. Believe it or not, there are lots of advice, useful suggestions and other blessings God will be sending to you through your subordinates and those under you; but if you are not ready to humble yourself to receive these, you may likely miss them.
One way of identifying the proud is through their boastings. A proud fellow will not only brag about what he can do, but also about several things he cannot do, all in a bid to make him look bigger than who he really is. As a child of God, you are expected to avoid boasting because of several variables in life are completely out of your control (James 4:14-16). Hence, our Bible reading says even when you are wealthy, never put your trust in your wealth or boast about what you have. Money may buy you a water bed, but it cannot buy you sleep. What is the use of a water bed without the ability to sleep? Also, you may be the richest man in the world, and yet with all your wealth, you cannot by salvation for yourself or for your brother. Money can buy a beautiful wife but not a good name. Do you boast of your accomplishments? You need to be broken. Forget whatever you may have achieved and yield yourself to the hands of the Lord, asking God to mould you as He deems fit.
Key Point
Pride, like smoke, cannot be covered. Before long, it will be seen in the carriage or conduct of its host.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: DEUTERONOMY 14:1-16:8, EPHESIANS 6
Author: Pastor E. A. Adeboye
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