How can we encourage others to avoid arrogance as warned in Proverbs 30:13? The Warning in Proverbs 30:13 “ There is a generation—how haughty are their eyes and pretentious are their glances—” (Proverbs 30:13) Solomon’s collected sayings point to an attitude that God consistently resists: eyes lifted in self-importance, a look that dismisses others. Recognizing the Marks of Arrogance • Disdainful facial expressions or tone • An unwillingness to listen or learn • Reluctance to admit wrong or ask forgiveness • Comparing oneself favorably to others • Speaking often of personal achievements without acknowledging God’s grace Root Causes to Address • Forgetting God’s sovereignty: “What do you have that you did not receive?” (1 Corinthians 4:7) • Ignoring our own sin nature: “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23) • Craving human approval more than God’s commendation (John 12:43) Steps to Encourage Humility in Others • Speak truth in love (Ephesians 4:15) by gently pointing to Scripture rather than personal opinion. • Highlight God’s opposition to pride and His favor toward humility: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). • Share testimonies of times when you yourself were corrected—model vulnerability. • Celebrate others’ successes openly, shifting focus away from self-exaltation. • Invite participation in service opportunities where unnoticed tasks cultivate a lowly spirit (John 13:14–15). • Remind regularly that “He must increase; I must decrease” (John 3:30). Modeling Christlike Humility Ourselves • Imitate Jesus, “who, existing in the form of God… emptied Himself” (Philippians 2:6–7). • Practice quick confession and repentance when pride surfaces. • Use possessions and positions as tools for blessing, not for boasting (1 Timothy 6:17-19). • Stay approachable and teachable, welcoming correction from trusted believers. Scripture to Share for Ongoing Encouragement • 1 Peter 5:5–6 – “Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another…” • Micah 6:8 – “He has shown you, O man, what is good… to walk humbly with your God.” • Luke 18:14 – “Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” • Proverbs 27:2 – “Let another praise you, and not your own mouth…” Grounding every exhortation in the trustworthy, literal Word of God steers hearts away from arrogance and toward the grace-filled humility our Lord delights to honor. |
    |