“...gives grace to the humble…” (James 4:6)

We need to look more closely at this since humbling ourselves before God is a key to the working of His grace. This verse is quoted exactly the same way in two different places in the New Testament (James 4:6; I Peter 5:5).

Here’s how different translations render these verses:

· “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (NASB)
· “God resisteth the proud but giveth grace to the humbe” (KJV)
· “God goes against the willful proud; God gives grace to the willing humble.” (The Message)

Resists the Proud……………………………Gives Grace to the Humble.

These two words (Proud & Humble) both contain the idea of positioning. Meditate on this:

· Pride; Proud (Greek: hupereôphanos) literally is “over” + “appear”
· Humble (Greek: tapeinos) means “low-lying” thus, to bow, humble, meek, etc.

Did you notice the contrast in positioning? Pride is strutting high and depending on myself. Humble is bowing down and depending in Him.

Pride: If we exalt ourselves; if we think too much of ourselves; if we think it is all about me and my agenda; if we focus on our strength and accomplishments; if we trust in our flesh; if we refuse to admit our need; if we are not willing to ask for help, etc. then we are caught up in pride.

Then we read these painful words: “God resists the proud.” He opposes us. He holds us at arms length. We can not claim to be close to Him and exalt ourselves at the same time!

Humble: But, if we admit our need; bend our knee; bow our heads; cry out for help; quit trying to do it without God; quit over-estimating our fleshly accomplishments and realize that without Him we can do nothing; He gives a greater grace.

Whether our circumstances seem good or bad, we must learn to humble ourselves before God and go through life on bended knees. When we humble ourselves before Him every day, throughout the day, we begin to see how grace works…and His life becomes ours.

Father,

Forgive me strutting through life trusting in my flesh. I bow my head, humble my heart, bend my knees and trust in Your righteousness and power…alone!

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.