How should believers respond to arrogance as described in Psalm 73:9? Setting the Scene “ ‘They set their mouths against the heavens, and their tongues strut across the earth.’ ” (Psalm 73:9) The psalmist paints a vivid picture of people so full of themselves that they speak as if they tower over God and parade their opinions everywhere they go. Why Arrogance Matters to God • Arrogance dethrones God in human hearts (Psalm 10:4). • It disregards His moral order (Proverbs 21:4). • It invites certain downfall: “Pride goes before destruction” (Proverbs 16:18). • It misleads others, spreading contempt for God “across the earth.” Seeing the Bigger Picture • Psalm 73 shows the temptation to envy the arrogant when they seem to prosper (vv. 3–12). • The turning point comes when the psalmist “entered the sanctuary of God” and remembered their end (vv. 17–20). • Eternal perspective exposes the emptiness behind the swagger. A God-Honoring Response 1. Reject envy and resentment. • “Do not fret because of evildoers” (Psalm 37:1–2). 2. Stay anchored in worship. • Draw near to God as Asaph did; worship resets the heart (Psalm 73:16–17, 28). 3. Speak truth with humility. • “Let your speech always be gracious” (Colossians 4:6). • Arrogance is answered best by words seasoned with grace and conviction. 4. Trust God’s justice. • “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay” (Romans 12:19). • Rest in His timetable rather than plotting your own payback. 5. Practice humble dependence. • “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5). • Humility is not weakness; it positions you under divine favor. Daily Habits that Counter Arrogance • Begin and end each day acknowledging God’s rule (Psalm 92:1–2). • Memorize verses that celebrate His greatness (Psalm 145). • Confess pride quickly; keep short accounts with the Lord (1 John 1:9). • Celebrate others’ victories, resisting the urge to compare (Romans 12:15). • Serve someone in secret; hidden service starves pride (Matthew 6:3–4). Scriptures to Keep in Your Pocket • Micah 6:8—“Walk humbly with your God.” • Proverbs 3:34—“He mocks the mockers, but gives grace to the humble.” • Philippians 2:3—“In humility consider others more important than yourselves.” Arrogance may roar loudly, but believers answer with quiet confidence in God, humble obedience, and unshakeable hope in His justice. |
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