Humility and Honor

“Haughtiness goes before destruction; humility precedes honor.” (Proverbs 18:12 NLT)

Military parades have long been used by autocratic leaders to show off their might. Tanks rolling down public streets, aircraft flyovers, marching soldiers who turn to salute dictators--these scenes are common in totalitarian regimes, but rare in democratic countries. However, on July 4th, 2019, a similar military parade was ordered by the U.S. President. At an estimated cost of over five million dollars, this extravaganza was meant to be a display of power. A year later, most people have completely forgotten about this expensive event. 

Self-aggrandizement usually brings ridicule, not respect. Attention-seeking behavior may lead to notoriety, but not honor. Virtue, modesty, integrity, and dignity are signs of nobility. Those who are confident rarely resort to puffery.

Scriptures teach us that haughtiness goes before destruction, and humility precedes honor. Self-indulgence and hubris caused the fall of humanity. Christ’s sacrificial love restored us to a state of grace. As followers of Christ, let us follow humbly in His footsteps--exalting God, not ourselves.