What other scriptures emphasize humility and reliance on God over human achievements? The High Towers Brought Low Isaiah 2:15 reminds us that the Lord “will rise against … every high tower and every fortified wall.” Scripture speaks plainly and literally: God opposes all self-exalting structures, whether stone ramparts or proud hearts. He alone deserves glory, and He alone is the sure refuge. The Wisdom of Humility • Proverbs 3:5–6 – “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” • Proverbs 16:18 – “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” • Psalm 20:7 – “Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.” • Psalm 147:10–11 – “He does not delight in the strength of the horse … The LORD delights in those who fear Him, who await His loving devotion.” Prophets Who Shattered Human Boasting • Jeremiah 9:23–24 – “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, nor the strong man in his strength … Let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me.” • Micah 6:8 – “What does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” • Isaiah 57:15 – The High and Exalted One also dwells “with the contrite and lowly of spirit.” Jesus: The Humble King Calling Us Lower • Luke 18:14 – “Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” • John 15:5 – “Apart from Me you can do nothing.” • Matthew 5:3 – “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Grace-Centered Apostolic Teaching • Ephesians 2:8–9 – Salvation is “the gift of God, not by works, so that no one may boast.” • Philippians 3:7–9 – Paul counts every credential “rubbish” compared with knowing Christ. • 2 Corinthians 12:9–10 – “My power is perfected in weakness … for when I am weak, then I am strong.” • Romans 12:3 – Think with “sober judgment,” not inflated self-appraisal. • James 4:6, 10 – “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble … Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.” • 1 Peter 5:5–6 – “Clothe yourselves with humility … under God’s mighty hand, so that in due time He may exalt you.” Promises to the Lowly, Warnings to the Proud • Psalm 34:18 – “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted.” • Isaiah 66:2 – “This is the one I will esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at My word.” • Proverbs 11:2 – “When pride comes, disgrace follows, but with humility comes wisdom.” Practical Takeaways for Today • Measure success by obedience, not applause. • Turn talents, resources, and victories into platforms for praising Jesus, not promoting self. • Seek counsel from God’s Word first; let human expertise serve, not steer. • Celebrate others’ gifts—envy and kingdom living cannot coexist. • Keep a soft heart by daily confessing reliance on Christ: every high tower within must yield to His lordship. |
    |