November 21, Day 326: Nothing Pleasant There

Proverbs 28:7-17; Ezekiel 38-39; James 4

The theme common to all of today’s readings is pride versus humility. In Proverbs 28:7-17, we read that “the one who confesses and renounces his sins finds mercy” (verse 12) – which requires humility. We also read that “the one who always trembles before God is blessed” (verse 14). By contrast, this passage also reveals and condemns many heart attitudes that begin with pride. Such attitudes include “increasing wealth by charging exorbitant interest” (verse 8); “turning a deaf ear to the law” (verse 9); and “leading the upright into or along an evil path” (verse 10), to identify just a few. Here, we see additional contrasts which emphasize the biblical precepts of truth: “A rich man who is wise in his own eyes” stands in stark contrast with “a poor man who has discernment” (verse 11). The man who “hardens his heart falls into trouble, but a man who always fears the LORD is blessed” (verse 14). A “tyrant lacks judgment, but a person who hates ill-gotten gain enjoys long life” (verse 16). Over and over again, we have seen from our Scripture readings that God is not pleased by human pride, which actually rears up its ugly self and ultimately expresses, “I don’t need God.” Nothing could be further from biblical truth, which reveals to us that human beings are among the most helpless of all creatures. Think about this truth: A murderer will be ever on the run in this life – never able to find “refuge till death” (verse 17). In other words, the grave is his only hope. Nothing pleasant there.

Nowhere is the problem of pride better illustrated than in Ezekiel 38-39 and its New Testament counterpart section, Revelation 20:7-10. Here, we read about Satan’s nationalistic human representative, Gog, who reflects the centerpiece of all mortal pride. Similar to Satan’s own personal expressions of pride and the declaration of his will in opposition to God (repeated five times - cf., Isaiah 14:12-15), Gog says here, three times, “I will.” This is in direct opposition to what God wants, and it reveals where all pride begins – in a foolish heart with an irrational leap that opposes the sovereign God of the universe. In the future battle, mighty Gog, his “troops,” and his “many [allied] nations,” will rise up in arrogant opposition against God and tiny Israel, but Gog will not prevail. God’s judgment upon Gog includes “hooks in his jaws” (verse 4); “earthquakes” (verse 19); “the sword, plague, bloodshed, rain, hail, burning sulfur” (verses 21-22); and ultimately, becoming “dinner for the wild animals” (cf., 39:4). Nothing pleasant there. Gog – and his leader, Satan – will be helpless to defend themselves against the One Who opposes the proud and has prepared this response to their pride. May we recognize that all our pride is self-induced and self-destructive.

This same theme continues right into James 4. Fights, quarrels, covetousness, wrong motives, etc., - all these evils arise from pride. James says, “God opposes the proud” (verse 6). In the face of God’s opposition, man will definitely see how truly helpless he is. James also explains that the simple antidote to pride is the heartfelt recognition and the honest acceptance of God’s will for our lives – not our own wills. This requires humility. God is in control, and we are powerless (i.e., helpless) to alter that. We need to recognize this and allow Him to take control over our lives. We can freely submit to God's antidote, or we can face His devastating alternative. Nothing pleasant there.