Shalom,
Proverbs 11:2:
2 When swelling and pride come, then emptiness and shame come also, but with the humble (those who have been pruned and chiseled by trial, and renounce self) are skillful and godly Wisdom and soundness.
The word "pride" here is the Hebrew word "zadown", which means: arrogance, pride, insolence, presumptuousness. Insolence means to be boldly rude; contemptuously impertinent or insulting in behavior or speech. Impertinent means exceeding the limits of propriety or good manners; improperly forward or bold. This is so very evident in our world today when people who don't understand the Word of God at all are so boldly irreverent when it comes to the things of God! Don't become one who is filled with pride and self-importance. Realize that every good thing about you and your life came from the One, True God of the Bible and you will operate in the skillful and Godly Wisdom that come only from His presence! Be the wise one in your sphere of influence and you'll be a TRUE light to them!
I notices something in a new way from John 21 today! Verses 15-17:
15 When they had eaten, Jesus said to Simon Peter, Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these [with reasoning, intentional, spiritual devotion, as one loves the Father]? He said to Him, Yes, Lord, You know that I love You [that I have deep, instinctive, personal affection for You, as for a close friend]. He said to him, Feed My lambs. 16 Again He {Jesus} said to him the second time, Simon, son of John, do you love Me [with reasoning, intentional, spiritual devotion, as one loves the Father]? He said to Him, Yes, Lord, You know that I love You [that I have a deep, instinctive, personal affection for You, as for a close friend]. He said to him, Shepherd (tend) My sheep. 17 He said to him the third time, Simon, son of John, do you love Me [with a deep, instinctive, personal affection for Me, as for a close friend]? Peter was grieved (was saddened and hurt) that he should ask him the third time, Do you love Me" And he said to Him, Lord, You know everything; you know that I love You [that I have a deep, instinctive, personal affection for You, as for a close friend]. Jesus said to him, Feed My sheep.
We know that there are two different Greek words for love used here: agape (the God-kind of love that involves an unselfish decision to put the other person first) and phileo (affectionate friendship). Pete also knew what these words meant! They were not using the English word love! Peter was well aware of what Jesus was asking him! The truly telling thing is that, though in the past Peter would have said, "Of course I (agape) you Lord! In fact, I would lay down my life for you!", here he has humbled himself to speak the TRUTH! He knew that Jesus wasn't fooled by words, but that Jesus knew every single thing about him! THIS is a much changed Simon Peter! He was born again and had humbled himself before the One, True God! NOW God could truly use him mightily, and He did! AMEN! Here is Hillsong's "It's Your Love":
In 2 Samuel 9-10 David asks about Jonathan's descendants because of his promise to Jonathan that he would take care of them. He found out about Jonathan's son, Mephibosheth and verse 13 of chapter 9 says this:
13 So Mephibosheth dwelt in Jerusalem, for he ate continually at the king's table, [even though] he was lame in both feet.
You have to go back to 2 Samuel 5:8 to understand what a sacrifice this really was for David.
8 David said on that day, Whoever smites the Jebusites, let him get up through the water shaft and smite the lame and the blind who are detested by David's soul. so they say, The blind and the lame shall not come into the house.
That's why the Amplified Bible adds [even though] to 2 Samuel 9:13. David honored his covenant with Jonathan, EVEN THOUGH it made him uncomfortable to do so! Do YOU get out of your "comfort zone" in order to keep YOUR word? When YOUR word is important to you, you will have a greater understanding of how important it is for God to confirm HIS Word! THAT brings great confidence! AMEN!
Shalom in Him!
