Humility opens doors of God's favor - Proverbs 11-12

In Proverbs 11:2 we read, "When pride comes, then comes dishonor, but with the humble is wisdom." Of all the principles taught by Solomon via the Holy Spirit there are few that are in such a contrast to the world's philosophy than this truth. The world talks about and teaches that we are to be focused on self-building and self-promoting life styles. Look at your average pro-athlete and you can visualize today's philosophical bent contrary to humility. It would be a rare find to locate a humble pro athlete. One who realized that his or her talents was based upon God's grace and mercy. However, you don't have to go to the playing pitch to observe such contrary living ... you can often find the same thing in today's pulpits. You don't have to pay a ticket to see a sporting event to see pride in high function - you only have to take a free seat in any pew. Pastors, elders, deacons and church members all fall to the sin of pride and miss the beauty and grace that humility ushers in. God is ready and willing to give wisdom and grace to the humble. But, God resists the proud. When the King of Tyre had pride fill his heart God sent judgment (Ezekiel 27). When Pharaoh wouldn't humble himself before God than judgment came (Exodus 6-10). When Nebuchadnezzar became filled with pride God made him eat grass like an ox (Daniel 7). God does indeed resist the proud. The greatest sin we can commit is to steal God's glory and take it for ourselves in pride. When Eve saw the fruit that it could make her wise she took it for herself and gave it to her husband. Pride is the center of sin. When we give glory to ourselves we steal God's praise. He can't give wisdom to those who believe they have it in themselves. Humility opens doors to God's world of grace, mercy and wisdom. Pride shuts those doors.