Which other Proverbs verses caution against pride and self-exaltation? Setting the Scene with Proverbs 25:27 “It is not good to eat too much honey or to search out one’s own glory.” God likens self-promotion to consuming excessive sweetness—tempting at first, but ultimately harmful. The rest of Proverbs adds rich harmony to this warning. A Chorus of Warnings Throughout Proverbs • Proverbs 3:7 – “Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil.” – Self-reliance crowds out reverence. • Proverbs 8:13 – “To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate arrogant pride, evil conduct, and perverse speech.” – Pride is not a harmless personality trait; God hates it. • Proverbs 11:2 – “When pride comes, disgrace follows, but with humility comes wisdom.” – Pride ushers in shame; humility opens the door to wisdom. • Proverbs 13:10 – “Arrogance leads only to strife, but wisdom is with the well-advised.” – Inflated egos spark conflict; teachable spirits enjoy peace. • Proverbs 15:25 – “The LORD tears down the house of the proud, but He protects the boundaries of the widow.” – God Himself opposes pride and champions the lowly. • Proverbs 16:5 – “Everyone proud in heart is detestable to the LORD; be assured that he will not go unpunished.” – Pride provokes divine judgment. • Proverbs 16:18 – “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” – The principle is ironclad: exalt yourself, invite collapse. • Proverbs 16:19 – “Better to be lowly in spirit with the afflicted than to share the spoil with the proud.” – True riches lie with humble companions, not haughty victors. • Proverbs 18:12 – “Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.” – Honor chases humility, never pride. • Proverbs 21:4 – “Haughty eyes and a proud heart—the guides of the wicked—are sin.” – Pride is not peripheral sin; it drives wickedness. • Proverbs 21:24 – “Mocker is the name of the proud and arrogant man—he acts with excessive pride.” – Pride brands a person; it shapes identity and behavior. • Proverbs 25:6-7 – “Do not exalt yourself in the presence of the king… for it is better that he say to you, ‘Come up here!’ than that you be demoted.” – Let promotion come from others, not self-advertising. • Proverbs 27:2 – “Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips.” – Self-praise is sour; outside affirmation is sweet. • Proverbs 29:23 – “A man’s pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor.” – Humility lifts; pride sinks. • Proverbs 30:32 – “If you have foolishly exalted yourself… put your hand over your mouth.” – The cure for self-exaltation is immediate silence and repentance. Themes That Emerge • Pride is detestable to the LORD and always invites His opposition. • Humility is consistently linked to wisdom, protection, and honor. • Self-exaltation isolates, breeds conflict, and precedes downfall. • God Himself champions the humble and secures their future. • Authentic honor must be bestowed, never seized. Putting It Into Practice • Cultivate a habit of daily thanking God—not yourself—for successes. • Seek counsel; invite correction. Pride withers under accountability. • Celebrate others’ victories; refuse the urge to spotlight your own. • Memorize key verses (Proverbs 16:18; 27:2) to check your heart when praise comes. • Remember: lasting honor flows from the Lord to those who walk humbly with Him. |
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