Introduction. How can a Christian possibly to be blessed with wisdom and receive the gift of humility at the same time? Moses was recognized for his humility. Do you think he had humility in such abundance that nobody else can come close? What is wonderful about humility?

Image © Yongsung Kim from GoodSalt.com

[Thought questions for The Humility of the Wise March 17,1015]

1. Who do you think you are? “I am more stupid than any man” —Agur, Proverbs 30:1. Can you think of any other Bible characters that made statements like that? Replace “more stupid” with “wiser” in the Proverbs 30:1, and how unusual is that statement or feeling? What about King Solomon? How humble was he? Then there’s Nabal (I Samuel 25). What do we remember him for? By contrast, how do we regard his wife? Why the difference? Then there’s the arrogant Pharisee who poured out his thanksgiving to God that he was not like other men. Are we ever tempted when we pray to thank God for making us better, more fortunate, or richer than the “poor souls” around us? Should we feel sorry for arrogant people?
2. A knowledge of God. How does the knowledge of God keep us from being proud and teach us to be humble? How hard is it for us to see the wisest Being in all the universe to be filled with humility? Why? What is the cure for pride? Can we fully understand God, the creator of the entire universe? Will we ever be able to know what he knows? How do you feel when scientists roll out information about wonderful discoveries in the earth or sky and explain them without giving God any credit? What is the best way to relate to people who do not give God credit for His wonderful works?
3. Neither too much nor too little. Why is it so wrong to pray to God with lies still in our heart or lives? How does God respond to such prayers? What is the startling aspect of the message of Proverbs 30:8. Can you imagine praying not to be rich? And, on the other hand, not to be weighed down with poverty? What is the cure for being “too rich”? Which condition is more likely to draw us to Jesus—wealth or poverty? Why? Does God love and accept those who are rich as well as those who are poor? How can He do that?
4. The actions of the arrogant. Do you know anyone in your private life who is arrogant? What about people in the public arena? How do you feel when a family member or someone involved in public service demonstrates humility and good will to others? Surprised? Gratified?  Why would a child ever curse his or her parents? What is the result of a negative spirit toward those who gave birth to us or adopted us into their family? What about being a Laodicean? Does that status in history link us to humility or to arrogance? How can we reduce the level of arrogance we carry in our hearts?
5. Lessons from Nature. Even though you may live in a city, can you still see evidence of God’s creative power in nature? What are some of the examples of nature that Proverbs shares with us as teaching tools? Are you ever amazed at the ability of the humblest of all creatures—such as ants or spiders or fish—to learn what they must to survive? Do you ever wonder why God created beautiful creatures that spend almost their entire lives hidden by water? What about sunsets that appear in vivid color? Do you thank God for the marvels of nature and ask Him to help you learn from them a little more of what God is like? If not, why not start now?

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