It’s Easy to be Proud

It’s easy to be proud.

It has to be because we see so much of it and because God speaks so much against it.

The Proverbs tell us that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (Proverbs 3:34, 29:23). Both James and Peter picked up these words from the Old Testament and amplified them in their writings (James 4:6-7; 1 Peter 5:5-6). Peter called on believers to humble themselves under the mighty hand of God.

It is so easy to be proud. The Prophet Jeremiah spoke God’s Word to the people of his day:

This is what the Lord says:

The wise must not boast in his wisdom; the mighty must not boast in his might; the rich must not boast in his riches.

But the one who boasts should boast in this, that he understands and knows Me–that I am the Lord, showing faithful love, justice, and righteousness on the earth, for I delight in these things.

This is the Lord’s declaration (Jeremiah 9:23-24).

Jeremiah 9:23-24 are powerful and amazing.

Notice what these verses teach us.

First, our lives should be focused on knowing the God who created us. The emphasis of our lives should be on knowing and understanding God. We need to know Him and we need to know His ways. While we have many responsibilities in work, civic responsibilities, church work, and raising children, our greatest focus must be on knowing God.

Second, these verses show us what matters to God. He is the God of steadfast love (he can be depended on for His faithfulness), justice (equitable treatment of groups), and righteousness (correct personal interactions). These three concepts come from three of the greatest words, concepts, and teachings of Scripture. If these things matter to God, they must matter to us.

Finally, these are things God delights in. He longs to see us taking being faithful, just, and righteous as well.

I am often ask, “What makes God smile?”

These are things that please God. He delights in them.

 

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