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There are so many GREAT bits of wisdom found throughout these three chapters, as there is throughout the entire book of Proverbs. Since it would be impossible to cover them all in a short devotional like this, I'll just share a few that I jump out at me.
In 16:4, we are reminded that "Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the Lord." Wow! Those are powerful words. If that is true, we all need to make sure we don't have ANY arrogance in our heart in any fashion or at any level.
For example, we can become "arrogant in heart" when we are good at something, we know it, and we start acting like it. We've all seen arrogant movie stars, arrogant athletes, arrogant politicians, arrogant business leaders, and even arrogant preachers. They've been gifted with fame, fortune, skills, talent, and popularity. But where did those gifts come from? They came from the Lord! The bible tells us in James 1:17 that "every good gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights."
Imagine yourself a multi-millionaire. And as such, you decided you'd search for a poor person who had never really had anything before. I mean, they are dirt poor. So, out of the abundance of grace and mercy in your heart you feel compelled to help them...not with a hand out but with a hand up. You end up buying them a modest home, provide them a substantial loan to help them start a business that they've always dreamed of owning, and a car to get around in. You can imagine how happy and thankful they would be!
But, how would you feel if ten years later that person had forgotten where they had come from and how you had helped them? Now, they've got a thriving business and they're making loads of money but word on the street is that the man you helped is a mean, pompous, harsh leader to those who work for him. In fact, he's stingy with his money, he likes to cheat his customers out of theirs, and he does major seminars throughout the world on how he built his business empire from the ground up with his own two hands without ever mentioning your help.
Wouldn't that upset you a bit? Well, to God it's an abomination!
If you sing well, sing humbly knowing where your gift comes from!
If you teach well, teach humbly knowing where your gift comes from!
If you're a successful business person and have gained financial success, humbly remember where it all came from and Who can take it all away!
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