The Payoff

(Proverbs 18:12 KJV)  Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.

Quickly reading this verse, I get it all wrong.  My first reaction is that the man is standing, staring “destruction” (7667) in the face and is being “haughty” (1361b).  It didn’t seem to make sense, and with good reason.  It didn’t.  The “before” (6440) is in time, not location.

It often seems to us that the arrogant, egotistical type A is the successful stereotype.  On the short term, maybe.  Over the long term this type of behavior will destroy.  God demands the model given by Jesus when He demanded humility.

(Matthew 5:39 KJV)  But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.

We are not called to be people who conquer in our own power.  We live in the power of God which works through out submission.

(2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV)  And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

So?  Don’t conquer, console.  Don’t demand your way, delight in His.  You will be much more satisfied with the payoff.