Which other Proverbs emphasize humility and avoiding self-exaltation? Proverbs 25:6–7: The Pattern of Humility “Do not exalt yourself in the presence of the king, and do not claim a place among great men; for it is better that he says to you, ‘Come up here,’ than for you to be demoted in the presence of a noble whom your eyes have seen.” (Proverbs 25:6–7) Other Proverbs That Echo the Call to Humble Living • Proverbs 3:34 — “He mocks the mockers, but gives grace to the humble.” • Proverbs 11:2 — “When pride comes, disgrace follows, but with humility comes wisdom.” • Proverbs 15:33 — “The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom, and humility comes before honor.” • Proverbs 16:18 — “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” • Proverbs 16:19 — “Better to be lowly in spirit with the afflicted than to share the spoils with the proud.” • Proverbs 18:12 — “Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.” • Proverbs 22:4 — “The rewards of humility and the fear of the LORD are wealth and honor and life.” • Proverbs 25:27 — “It is not good to eat too much honey, or to search out one’s own glory.” • Proverbs 27:2 — “Let another praise you, and not your own mouth— a stranger, and not your own lips.” • Proverbs 29:23 — “A man’s pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor.” • Proverbs 6:16–17 — “There are six things the LORD hates… haughty eyes...” (pride tops the list). Threading the Theme Together • God resists pride at every turn yet repeatedly exalts the humble. • Humility positions the heart to receive wisdom, honor, and even material blessing (22:4). • Pride sets off a predictable downward spiral—disgrace (11:2), destruction (16:18), demotion (25:7), and being brought low (29:23). • True honor is always bestowed, never seized; it comes when others—and ultimately the Lord—lift us up (25:7; 27:2). • Because pride’s first symptom is self-focus, humility begins with God-focus: the fear of the LORD (15:33). Practical Steps for Today • Invite the Lord to search out hidden pride; confess it immediately. • Deliberately shift praise to others and celebrate their successes. • Serve quietly where no spotlight shines; let promotion come from God (25:7). • Keep Scripture’s warnings fresh—memorize one of the verses above and recall it whenever self-exaltation whispers. |
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