The Wisdom of HumilityThe Wisdom of HumilityReflections on Psalms & Proverbs Reflections on Psalms & Proverbs

Series, Part 6Series, Part 6

Proverbs 18:1-24Proverbs 18:1-24

February 2, 2014February 2, 2014

Pastor Paul K. KimPastor Paul K. Kim

HUMILITY: A PATHWAY TO WISDOM AND HONOR

12 Before destruction a man's heart is haughty,but humility comes before honor. . .

3 When wickedness comes, contempt comes also,and with dishonor comes disgrace (vs. 12, 3)

When pride comes, then comes disgrace,but with the humble is wisdom.

Proverbs 11:2

•Why? It is a telltale sign of fearing the LORD—which is the beginning of wisdom (Prov. 9:10).•Humility leads us to follow God’s will, which subsequently leads us to honor and wisdom.•Hence, humility is a central wisdom theme by which all other wise sayings in Proverbs 18 can be organized together.

FALSE HUMILITY VS. TRUE HUMILITY

False Humility True Humility

Pleasing/Fearing people

Thinking less of yourself

Self-conscious appearance

Means to an end (“me”)

Pleasing/Fearing the LORD

Thinking of yourself less* Self-forgetful heart

An end in itself (“God’s will”)

* Quote by C. S. Lewis

I want to befamous

so I can be humble

about beingfamous.

What good is myhumility

when I am stuckin this

obscurity? David Budbill [his poem, “Dilemma”]

WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR US TO FOLLOW THE WISDOM OF HUMILITY?

1) It means to seek first to understand others by active listening (vs. 2, 13, 15, 17).

2 A fool takes no pleasure in understanding,but only in expressing his opinion.

13 If one gives an answer before he hears,it is his folly and shame.

15 An intelligent heart acquires knowledge,and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

17 The one who states his case first seems right,    until the other comes and examines him.

Understanding and listening before talking requires humility.

Why? The default mode of our fallen heart is to seek first to be heard and to have our feelings/opinions to be understood.

This wisdom of humility bears much good fruit in the long run if we do follow it rather than merely agree with it.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR US TO FOLLOW THE WISDOM OF HUMILITY?

2) It means to run to God and trust in his protection and provision (vs. 9, 10, 11, 22, 23).

9 Whoever is slack in his work is a brother to him who destroys.

10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.

11 A rich man's wealth is his strong city,and like a high wall in his imagination.

22 He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.

23 The poor use entreaties, but the rich answer roughly.

The key question in this wisdom is what is truly reliable for security & peace and what is destructive and unreliable. This wisdom of humility is especially assuring when we face life’s harsh realities and trials—that GOD is our strong tower!

WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR US TO FOLLOW THE WISDOM OF HUMILITY?

3) It means to guard our speech to bear good fruits (vs. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 18, 20, 21).

4 The words of a man's mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.

5 It is not good to be partial to the wicked or to deprive the righteous of justice.

6 A fool's lips walk into a fight, and his mouth invites a beating.

7 A fool's mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul.

8 The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR US TO FOLLOW THE WISDOM OF HUMILITY?

3) It means to guard our speech to bear good fruits (vs. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 18, 20, 21).

18 The lot puts an end to quarrels and decides between powerful contenders.

20 From the fruit of a man's mouth his stomach is satisfied; he is satisfied by the yield of his lips.

21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.

Notice that the most wise sayings about humility/wisdom in Proverbs 18 are about one’s speech (cf. James 3).

On one hand, we are to guard our speech to avoid sinning; on the other hand, we are to edify others by our careful speech.

This wisdom of humility is relevant to us in all aspects of our everyday life and each of us will bear fruits—either good or bad—from our speech.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR US TO FOLLOW THE WISDOM OF HUMILITY?

4) It means to cultivate & value true friendships (vs. 1, 14, 19, 24).

1 Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment.

14 A man's spirit will endure sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear?

19 A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city, and quarreling is like the bars of a castle.

24 A man of many companions may come to ruin,    but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

This wisdom is about how humility affects our relationships.

Pride leads us to choose what is comfortable and easy to us (= anti-social/anti-community) and on image/popularity.

This wisdom of humility opens our eyes to what matters most to our spiritual/emotional health and strength, which is often overlooked because it is important but not so urgent.

THREE PRACTICAL QUESTIONS FOR OUR EVERYDAY LIFE

1. In what ways are you convinced more of your need for humility in your daily lives?

2. What will you apply practically from the wisdom of humility in communication—(1) listening/seeking to understand first and (2) guarding your speech?

3. What will you apply practically from the wisdom of humility in relationships—(3) running to God for protection/provision and (4) cultivating & treasuring true friendships?