The Way Up Is Down (Proverbs 18:12)
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Proverbs 18:12
Before destruction a man's heart is haughty,
but humility comes before honor.
This verse is basically part two from yesterday’s episode. Yesterday, we saw that pride comes before destruction. Today, we see what comes before honor – and it’s the exact opposite: humility.
It’s like Solomon is painting two roads – one paved with pride, ending in a crash. The other paved with humility, leading to a crown. Same structure. Two different destinations.
The first line is familiar: “Before destruction a man’s heart is haughty.” We’ve heard that before. But what I love about this verse is that it doesn’t end in warning – it ends in hope.
“But humility comes before honor.”
That’s good news. If pride will bring you low, humility will raise you up.
Here’s the thing, though – this honor isn’t about applause or achievement. It’s not some spiritual trophy case. It’s deeper than that.
Charles Bridges said: “The security of the child of God is, when he lies prostrate in the dust. If he soar high, the danger is imminent, though he be on the verge of heaven.”
In other words? Even if you’re inches from glory, pride can still take you out. But if you’re face-down in the dust? You’re right where God wants you.
Isaiah 66:2 backs that up. God says:
“This is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word.”
What could be more honorable than that? The attention of heaven. The nearness of God.
And how do you get there? You go low. That’s the way up.
You don’t need to promote yourself. You don’t need to posture or pretend. You just need to kneel. That’s the posture God honors.
So let me ask you:
Where might God be inviting you to come low today?
What would it look like to choose the dust instead of the pedestal?
Let’s pray in light of this today.
