Thought for the Day

Verse 18 - Those who become proud and hold an over-exaggerated opinion of themselves are preparing for a great fall. People who think they have "arrived" and who revel in their own accomplishments are preparing themselves for a rude awakening. Those who think they have no need of God in their lives will eventually come to the end of themselves. He is patient and does not force His way into our lives. It is His Spirit that woos and draws us unto Jesus. He desires all people to be saved and does not want anyone to perish. "For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time" (1 Timothy 2:3-6).

Pride is man's biggest hindrance from coming to God. All have sinned and come short of the glory of God, and therefore all are in need of a Savior. God provided a Savior by sending Jesus, His only begotten Son, to take our sins upon Himself. Through His death, burial, and resurrection, we can receive eternal life. People can only be saved by humbling their hearts before God and acknowledging these things.

Verse 19 - It is better to be humbly associated with the lowly, than to have the riches of plunder divided with the proud. We must ask the Lord to help us remain humble. Society encourages the spirit of pride. True humility reveals strength of character. The humble person is secure in God and does not need to prove himself to others. The Christian who is dependant on God has found the way to victory in his life.

Verse 20 - All who lean on God, placing their trust in Him, are happy and blessed. We have access to all the resources of heaven when we humble our hearts before God and ask Him to supply all that we need. "A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit" (Proverbs 29:23). "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19).