Daily Devotions - Wisdom from Common Things

Proverbs 30:18-33 (NIV)
18 “There are three things that are too amazing for me, four that I do not understand: 19 the way of an eagle in the sky, the way of a snake on a rock, the way of a ship on the high seas, and the way of a man with a young woman. 20 “This is the way of an adulterous woman: She eats and wipes her mouth and says, ‘I’ve done nothing wrong.’ 21 “Under three things the earth trembles, under four it cannot bear up: 22 a servant who becomes king, a godless fool who gets plenty to eat, 23 a contemptible woman who gets married, and a servant who displaces her mistress. 24 “Four things on earth are small, yet they are extremely wise: 25 Ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food in the summer; 26 hyraxes are creatures of little power, yet they make their home in the crags; 27 locusts have no king, yet they advance together in ranks; 28 a lizard can be caught with the hand, yet it is found in kings’ palaces. 29 “There are three things that are stately in their stride, four that move with stately bearing: 30 a lion, mighty among beasts, who retreats before nothing; 31 a strutting rooster, a he-goat, and a king secure against revolt. 32 “If you play the fool and exalt yourself, or if you plan evil, clap your hand over your mouth! 33 For as churning cream produces butter, and as twisting the nose produces blood, so stirring up anger produces strife.”

 

How do verses 32-33 tie together all the sayings about humility?

 

Sovereign God, You are mighty and know all things. The more I reflect on the wonders of this world, the more that I see Your hand in the beauty of the earth, the power of the storm, and the complexity of the animal kingdom. Although sometimes I believe that I am wise by the things I have learned, I am humbled by things that I don't understand, examples of insignificant yet wise creatures, and the powerful which I cannot stand against. We have the capability to learn from these common things and grow in our righteousness, but yet as a people we are unfaithful but proud, blessed with abundance but selfish, and bold but foolish. Instead of being humbled by You and Your creation we are arrogant and live self-centered lives. The selfishness and hunger for power drive evil against others and results in strife. Forgive us, Lord.  I pray that I am humbled by Your majesty, learn from the wisdom of Your creation and submit to Your sovereignty.  I pray for the fortitude to be righteous to act boldly and swiftly to carry out Your will in service to You and others. Let me climb to great heights and be victorious like a king undefeated by Your Grace and Glory. I seek to be someone who never stirs up anger but, rather, good. Help me to not exalt myself, but only You. Let my life bring honor to You. Amen.