IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

Daily Bread

Pride Leads to Destruction

Date: Dec. 10, 2023

Passage

Proverbs 16:10-33 (ESV)

10   An oracle is on the lips of a king;
    his mouth does not sin in judgment.
11   A just balance and scales are the LORD’s;
    all the weights in the bag are his work.
12   It is an abomination to kings to do evil,
    for the throne is established by righteousness.
13   Righteous lips are the delight of a king,
    and he loves him who speaks what is right.
14   A king’s wrath is a messenger of death,
    and a wise man will appease it.
15   In the light of a king’s face there is life,
    and his favor is like the clouds that bring the spring rain.
16   How much better to get wisdom than gold!
    To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.
17   The highway of the upright turns aside from evil;
    whoever guards his way preserves his life.
18   Pride goes before destruction,
    and a haughty spirit before a fall.
19   It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor
    than to divide the spoil with the proud.
20   Whoever gives thought to the word will discover good,
    and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.
21   The wise of heart is called discerning,
    and sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness.
22   Good sense is a fountain of life to him who has it,
    but the instruction of fools is folly.
23   The heart of the wise makes his speech judicious
    and adds persuasiveness to his lips.
24   Gracious words are like a honeycomb,
    sweetness to the soul and health to the body.
25   There is a way that seems right to a man,
    but its end is the way to death.
26   A worker’s appetite works for him;
    his mouth urges him on.
27   A worthless man plots evil,
    and his speech is like a scorching fire.
28   A dishonest man spreads strife,
    and a whisperer separates close friends.
29   A man of violence entices his neighbor
    and leads him in a way that is not good.
30   Whoever winks his eyes plans dishonest things;
    he who purses his lips brings evil to pass.
31   Gray hair is a crown of glory;
    it is gained in a righteous life.
32   Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty,
    and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.
33   The lot is cast into the lap,
    but its every decision is from the LORD.

Daily Bread

Key Verse: 16:18

  Pride goes before destruction,
    and a haughty spirit before a fall.

Verses 10-15 teach us about just and upright kings. Their mouths do not betray justice (10). They detest wrongdoing and take pleasure in honest lips (11,12a). The throne of a good king is established in righteousness (12b). A king may have power over life and death (14b,15). We need wisdom to deal with those in power (14a). Let us pray for kings and rulers so that we may lead peaceful lives and be able to freely share the gospel (1 Ti 2:1-4).

The next set of Proverbs contrasts the value of wisdom and the dangers of pride. Wisdom is more valuable than gold. The wise are those who heed instruction. Such people prosper and are blessed (20). Wisdom or prudence is a fountain of life (23). Wise and gracious words are sweet to the soul and promote healing (24). However, pride is the greatest barrier to growing in wisdom from God. Pride rejects instruction. The fruit of pride is seen in a scoundrel (27), the perverse (28), the violent (29), and those who use deceit to plan evil (30). Proud and even haughty people may seem to get ahead in the world. But pride ultimately leads to destruction (18), and even death (25). Watch out for pride! Ask God daily for a humble heart that responds to his word.

Prayer: Prayer: Father, please forgive my pride that insists on its own way. Thank you for your word, which grows me in wisdom. Please also help our rulers to honor you and govern with wisdom.

One Word: One Word: A haughty spirit before a fall

Daily Bread

The Lamb Will Triumph

Revelation 17:1-18

Key Verse: 17:14

They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful.”

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Intro Daily