Jesus, in Luke 14:7-14, uses Proverbs 25:6-7, in a proverb to show what pride will get us when we reveal our “first place attitude”, but then, in disgrace, we must take a meager position, for this position is reserved for a “VIP”; thus, Jesus explains pride will be humbled and humility will be promoted, for Proverbs 15:33 and 18:22 says, humility comes before honor, so Jesus is telling us God’s reward for our humility is honor, but the reward for pride is disgrace.
However, most people, even Christians, use “titles” and “achievements” proudly, even calling attention to “our trophies”, for “recognition” is the chief motivator in “climbing the latter of success”. Our Lord Jesus held the world’s highest office—Son of God; God in the flesh—but He still humbled Himself to death on the cross, as Philippians 2:5-11 shows; therefore, to be like Him, we must also humble self before God, as 1 Peter 5:5-7 commands, which means we must daily deny self-pleasures, take up our cross, and follow Jesus, the way Luke 9:21-26 commands.
Proverbs 25:1-28 (NLT)—1 These are more proverbs of Solomon, collected by the advisers of King Hezekiah of Judah. 2 It is God’s privilege to conceal things and the king’s privilege to discover them. 3 No one can comprehend the height of heaven, the depth of the earth, or all that goes on in the king’s mind! 4 Remove the impurities from silver, and the sterling will be ready for the silversmith. 5 Remove the wicked from the king’s court, and his reign will be made secure by justice. 6 Do not demand an audience with the king or push for a place among the great. 7 It is better to wait for an invitation to the head table than to be sent away in public disgrace. Just because you have seen something, 8 do not be in a hurry to go to court. For what will you do in the end if your neighbor deals you a shameful defeat? 9 When arguing with your neighbor, do not betray another person’s secret. 10 Others may accuse you of gossip, and you will never regain your good reputation. 11 Timely advice is lovely, like golden apples in a silver basket. 12 To one who listens, valid criticism is like a gold earring or other gold jewelry. 13 Trustworthy messengers refresh like snow in summer. They revive the spirit of their employer. 14 A person who promises a gift but does not give it is like clouds and wind that bring no rain. 15 Patience can persuade a prince, and soft speech can break bones. 16 Do you like honey? Do not eat too much, or it will make you sick! 17 Do not visit your neighbors too often, or you will wear out your welcome. 18 Telling lies about others is as harmful as hitting them with an ax, wounding them with a sword, or shooting them with a sharp arrow. 19 Putting confidence in an unreliable person in times of trouble is like chewing with a broken tooth or walking on a lame foot. 20 Singing cheerful songs to a person with a heavy heart is like taking someone’s coat in cold weather or pouring vinegar in a wound. 21 If your enemies are hungry, give them food to eat. If they are thirsty, give them water to drink. 22 You will heap burning coals of shame on their heads, and the LORD will reward you. 23 As surely as a north wind brings rain, so a gossiping tongue causes anger! 24 It is better to live alone in the corner of an attic than with a quarrelsome wife in a lovely home. 25 Good news from far away is like cold water to the thirsty. 26 If the godly give in to the wicked, it is like polluting a fountain or muddying a spring. 27 It’ is not good to eat too much honey, and it is not good to seek honors for yourself. 28 A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls.
Righteous humility is not easily accepted in this lust-for-fame-and-wealth world, but God sees both our humility and our motives for humility rather than honors from people.
Jim Nabors
