What practical steps can we take to avoid pride in our own wisdom? Verse in Focus “Are you the first man ever born? Were you brought forth before the hills?” (Job 15:7) Context Snapshot Eliphaz reminds Job that no human is the original source of wisdom; only God precedes the hills. The rebuke exposes how quickly we can slip into pride, assuming our insight is final. Why Pride in Wisdom Is Dangerous • It blinds us to God’s counsel (Proverbs 3:7). • It distances us from grace (James 4:6). • It invites discipline (Proverbs 16:18). Practical Steps to Cultivate Humility • Acknowledge God’s primacy every morning – Whisper Psalm 119:73, “Your hands have made me.” • Saturate the mind with Scripture, not opinion – Read a chapter of Proverbs daily; its repeated warnings against self-confidence recalibrate the heart. • Practice immediate gratitude – Each time an idea succeeds, thank God aloud (1 Corinthians 4:7). • Seek counsel before deciding – Involve at least one mature believer; Proverbs 15:22 reminds, “Plans fail for lack of counsel.” • Memorize and recite humility texts – Jeremiah 9:23-24; 1 Corinthians 8:2; Proverbs 11:2. • Serve in unnoticed ways weekly – Folding chairs, visiting shut-ins, writing anonymous notes—acts that receive no applause train the ego to stay small (Mark 10:44-45). • Keep a “God’s Wisdom” journal – Record moments when divine insight overruled personal logic; reread monthly to remember who truly knows best. • Fast from self-promotion – Limit social media posts that highlight personal achievements; instead, testify to God’s faithfulness (Psalm 34:2). • Invite correction and respond with thanks – Proverbs 12:1 calls the one who hates reproof “stupid.” Welcoming critique keeps the heart teachable. • Pray Psalm 139:23-24 over decisions – Ending the day with this searchlight verse exposes subtle pride before it hardens. Scriptures to Keep on the Dashboard of Your Mind • Proverbs 3:5–7 — “Trust in the LORD…do not be wise in your own eyes.” • Proverbs 26:12 — “Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.” • 1 Corinthians 8:2 — “The man who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know.” • James 1:5 — “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously…and it will be given.” Closing Thoughts Job 15:7 shakes any illusion that we possess original wisdom. By daily exalting God, immersing ourselves in His Word, and walking in intentional, ordinary acts of humility, we safeguard our hearts from pride and keep our trust anchored in the One who was “before the hills.” |
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