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Here we read a proverb that offers instruction in humility. In many, many places the Bible instructs us to be humble and until we as believers are transformed into our heavenly bodies, that's not always very easy to do; nevertheless we must pray that by grace we may be ever the more obedient and humble. Of course our perfect example in humility being the LORD Jesus Christ. In Luke 14, Christ told a similar parable to that which we read here in Proverbs:
"And he put forth a parable to those which were bidden, when he marked how they chose out the chief rooms; saying unto them, When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room; lest a more honourable man than thou be bidden of him; And he that bade thee and him come and say to thee, Give this man place; and thou begin with shame to take the lowest room. But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee. For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted." (Matthew 14:7-11).
In the New Testament Christians are exhorted to: put on humility (Colossians 3:12); to walk with humility (Ephesians 4:1,2) and to be clothed with it (1 Peter 5:5). The Bible also gives us many examples of humility other than the ultimate source Jesus. God assures His children that their cries of distress in humility will not go unanswered for His good. This we read in Psalm 69:
"The humble shall see this, and be glad: and your heart shall live that seek God. For the LORD heareth the poor, and despiseth not his prisoners. Let the heaven and earth praise him, the seas, and every thing that moveth therein. For God will save Zion, and will build the cities of Judah: that they may dwell there, and have it in possession. The seed also of his servants shall inherit it: and they that love his name shall dwell therein." (Psalm 69:32-36).
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