The proud
God resists the proud Scripture tells us. Satan is our first example of what pride earns. It shows the worst side of pride where a person sees themselves as above others. It shows itself in many different forms. Satan decided that he could rise above the heavens that God created and place his throne there.
Satan was cast out of heaven due to his pride and will end his time in a special place called hell. It has been prepared for him and those who follow him in rebellion against God’s Law.
33 The Lord’s curse is on the house of the wicked,
but he blesses the home of the righteous.
34 He mocks proud mockers
but shows favor to the humble and oppressed.
35 The wise inherit honor,
but fools get only shame. Proverbs 3:33-35 NIV
God Resists the Proud
Friendship with the world is the beginning of pride. The world has adopted many practices that are in direct opposition to God’s Word. When we take a stand with a society that mocks righteousness, we fall under the judgment of God.
God mocks the proud mockers. His Word mocks those who laugh at what God calls righteousness. The Word of God is clear about what will happen to those who decide to follow the wickedness of the world. His Word tells us that He will bless the home of the righteous.
The wise are those who listen to the Word of God and do it. He says that the wise inherit honor. And who is wise? The Scripture tells us.
9 Who is wise? Let them realize these things.
Who is discerning? Let them understand.
The ways of the Lord are right;
the righteous walk in them,
but the rebellious stumble in them. Hosea 14:9 NIV
It is true that God resists the proud. Since the beginning of time men have tried to do things their own way. God delivered the children of Israel out of Egypt and gave them the Promised Land. It was promised to Abraham hundreds of years before and now it was theirs. They did nothing to deserve it. God gave it to them and drove the sinful nations out.
As it says in the verse above, the rebellious stumble. Soon after taking possession of the land, they begin to do things their own way. Failing to see that the ways of the Lord were right they made their own laws. Their laws were contrary to God’s Laws much as our laws are now against what God ordained.
The righteous
Remember the first verse in our opening text?
33 The Lord’s curse is on the house of the wicked,
but he blesses the home of the righteous.
Scripture makes it clear that God blesses those who seek to follow His Law.
One of my favorite scriptures is where Jesus tells His disciples that those who love Him obey His commands. 15 “If you love Me, keep My commandments. John 14:15 NKJV
Do not lie to God! You cannot say that you love Him and not do what He says. It is important that you take a stand for the truth of the Word of God. If you stand with society and its standards that means you have chosen to stand against God.
Remember that, “fools get only shame.”