READ: Proverbs 18 (Focus vs. 1-12)
MEMORY VERSE
Before a downfall the heart is haughty. Proverbs 18:12
BACKGROUND
John Taylor was a British eye surgeon in the 1700s who, driven by arrogance, fabricated a prestigious reputation. He pursued celebrities and became the personal eye doctor for King George II.
Taylor traveled the country performing medical shows that promised miracle cures, often escaping towns under the cover of night carrying bags overflowing with villagers’ cash.
However, records suggest Taylor was a charlatan and likely blinded hundreds of patients. History remembers him not as a medical luminary but as the man who destroyed the eyesight of two of the century’s greatest composers: Bach and Händel.
Taylor craved reputation and acclaim, but his legacy declares his lies, and the embarrassment and hurt he caused. Proverbs explains how egotistical addictions lead to devastation. “Before a downfall,” we read, “the heart is haughty” (18:12).
Taylor’s disgrace warns us of how arrogance can ruin our lives, but one’s foolishness often harms others too (vv. 6-7). The “downfall” is great indeed.
While a proud heart destroys us and others, a humble heart leads toward a life of meaning and joy. “Humility comes before honor,” the proverb says (v. 12).
If we selfishly pursue only self-interests (v. 1), we’ll never find what we crave. If we yield our heart to God and serve others, however, we honor Him and reflect His goodness.
Winn Collier
INSIGHT
These dozen verses weave the strands of pride, speech, and foolishness into a cohesive idea. A proud person “pursues selfish ends” (Proverbs 18:1) and refuses to seek “understanding” (v. 2).
Our words can be “deep waters” (v. 4), but “wisdom” provides “a rushing stream” (v. 4) if we will drink from it. The speech of a fool creates “strife” (v. 6), and the very words of fools “are their undoing” (v. 7).
Similarly, gossip poisons everyone affected, as it’s “like choice morsels” (v. 8) that tempt the naïve while damaging the target of the rumors. And it’s “the righteous” who find that “the name of the Lord is a fortified tower” (v. 10).
Tim Gustafson
APPLICATION
How have you seen pride lead to a downfall? How have you seen humility lead to honor?
PR’s (Pastor Richard) RE-EMPHASIS (From Today’s Post)
“If we selfishly pursue only self-interests…, we’ll never find what we crave. If we yield our heart to God and serve others, however, we honor Him and reflect His goodness.(and will be fulfilled)
PR’s TAKE
“If you fill your head with pride, you will lack space for wisdom’ African Proverb
“Humble me, Lord. When my pride gets louder than your grace, remind me that everything I have is because of you…. (Help me) always to choose humility over recognition.” Anonymous
PRAYER
“Dear God, please give me a humble heart and help me reject a haughty, arrogant spirit.”
TODAY’S HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“HUMBLE ME” Hulvey
Lord, humble me, humble me, humble me
I’m tired of seeing me
Lord, humble me, humble me, humble me
You are all I need
As I travel down
The narrow road I’m walking on,
I hear the gravel now
You took my heart of stone,
You’re the one that matters now
Just wanna know You God,
I can hear You callin’ now
“I love you son, ” help me accept it
“I love you son, ” I accept it
I am just a vessel, You found me on a stretcher sick as ever
Just an untouchable leper cryin’ out as a beggar, praise You
You gave me a piece of gold and told me it last forever
Gave me a piece of gold and told me it last forever
Gave me a white robe and told me to wear it forever
Lord, humble me, humble me, humble me
I’m tired of seeing me
Lord, humble me, humble me, humble me
You are all I need…
