Proverbs 18:12: “Before a downfall the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.”
Through the following characters from the Bible, we will learn about humility. David gave his best to Saul even though Saul treated him unfairly and even wanted to kill him. Joseph experienced the lowest point of his life when he was imprisoned and slandered. The Lord Jesus did not defend himself or rebel when he was mocked and treated cruelly until he died on the cross. These three people from the Bible were able to go through the most difficult season in their lives and came out victorious because they had humility.
Humility is the key for victory. When we are mocked, we do not defend ourselves or attack back. Instead, give thanks and learn to do what is good. Someone who does not run away after being slapped, insulted and degraded and does not get angry when conflicts happen, will turn out to be the bigger person. Someone who is willing to be treated badly and still wants to humble himself/herself by not getting even, will only have good things come out from their lives.
Let us learn from Jesus, David and Joseph. The humility and servant’s heart they have made the Heavenly Father promote them in the right time. When we have humility and a servant’s heart, we will have God’s strength to keep us up during the times we feel weak. Humility will result in God’s presence to come down and when His presence is there, He will be the one who defends us and works in our favor.
For sure, it is not easy to have humility. The Lord will use various processes in our lives and use others to humble us. The success of the process will depend on the reaction of that person when the process comes in their lives. If the person rebels and becomes bitter, that process will be take a long time. On the other hand, if the reaction is positive – meaning the person can control their emotions, does not complain, does not get bitter or does not rebel – it assured that he/she will be victorious and be a humble person.
Proverbs 18:12 says before a downfall the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor. God’s promise is that a humble person will receive honor. This is proven in the life of Jesus, David and Joseph. Jesus was victorious and became King of all kings; David was victorious and became king of Israel; Joseph was victorious and became king in Egypt.
As God’s children, let us always have humility and respect one another so that the light of Christ may shine through our lives. God bless.
Source: Publishing Team, IBC Church