Challenge Library

In this passage, Solomon gives one of the contrasting views that he is so well known for in Scripture. He compares the humble with the proud, as he often does. We see the proud being brought low and the humble being lifted up. Not that honor should ever be the motive, but when you look at where each path leads, humility—and allowing God to lift us up—seems like a far better choice than the alternative. Humility is not an action we put on; it is an attitude that lives in our soul. Humility should not be difficult for a person who recognizes God for who He is and us for who we are. Pride is the result of not truly knowing God and not rightly recognizing ourselves in comparison to Him. Everything we have to feel good about ourselves is a gift from Him. I’ve never been a fan of self-esteem. It carries the potential for pride in ourselves. I believe very strongly in God-esteem—an esteem rooted in God: who He is, who He allows us to be, and who He celebrates being in us, with us, and through us. It is actually a beautiful, restful, and powerful way to live. Jesus was a fan of humility. It always surprised me when I read in Hebrews that Jesus was humble as a man. He is our model of humility. Today, practice humility. #BeTheEdge

“For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” —Jesus