What does "his own schemes" in Job 18:7 reveal about human pride? Setting the Scene Bildad describes the fate of the wicked, declaring: “His vigorous stride is shortened, and his own schemes trip him up.” (Job 18:7) Text Under the Microscope • “His vigorous stride” – pride’s confident march • “is shortened” – momentum suddenly halted • “his own schemes” – self-conceived plots, strategies, ambitions • “trip him up” – the very plans meant to elevate now cause a fall What “His Own Schemes” Reveals About Pride • Pride trusts personal ingenuity over God’s wisdom (Proverbs 3:5-7). • Pride builds plans around self-glory, not God’s glory (Genesis 11:4). • Pride is self-deceived; it overlooks its built-in weaknesses (Jeremiah 17:9). • Pride is self-destructive: the proud become their own stumbling block (Psalm 7:14-16; Proverbs 11:5). Pride’s Boomerang Principle • Psalm 7:15-16: “He has dug a hole and hollowed it out; he has fallen into the pit he prepared.” • Proverbs 26:27: “He who digs a pit will fall into it.” • Galatians 6:7: “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return.” Scripture consistently shows that proud plans rebound upon their makers. Self-Made Traps vs. God-Led Paths Contrast pride’s outcome with humility’s blessing: • Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart… He will make your paths straight.” • Isaiah 57:15: God revives “the lowly in spirit.” • 1 Peter 5:5-6: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble… He will exalt you in due time.” Warning for Believers Today • Examine motives—are plans driven by self-promotion or God’s honor? • Submit ambitions to Scripture and prayer before acting (James 4:13-16). • Seek counsel; pride resists accountability, humility welcomes it (Proverbs 12:15). • Remember: success without God’s approval is failure in disguise (Matthew 16:26). Christ: The Cure for Scheming Hearts • Philippians 2:5-8 shows the opposite of Job 18:7: Christ emptied Himself, took the form of a servant, and was exalted by God. • Following His example replaces self-made schemes with Spirit-led obedience, turning potential snares into secure footing (Psalm 18:33). Takeaway Human pride is exposed by its own “schemes”—self-focused designs that inevitably become tripping hazards. True safety and progress are found not in clever strategies but in humble dependence on the Lord. |
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