February 16, 2016

Arrogant Pride Wrongly Judges

16 There are six things that the Lord hates,
seven that are an abomination to him:
17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue,
and hands that shed innocent blood,
18 a heart that devises wicked plans,
feet that make haste to run to evil,
19 a false witness who breathes out lies,
and one who sows discord among brothers.

-- Proverbs 6:16-19

In the aftermath of trouble, there are always going to be people who criticize what was or wasn’t done. Surely her sons could have done something sooner? Why in the world won’t one of her five children take her into their home? How can that mother not manage her own children? Why won’t she lose weight or get a better job?

It’s always somebody else’s fault and the person complaining could surely have figured out a better way.

Our pastor began a sermon serious today on this passage of Scripture. He focused on “haughty eyes,” that arrogant pride that makes us believe we know better than anyone else.

It is ever so easy to judge from the outside, without knowing the facts. And, honestly, if you weren’t there, if you weren’t privy to the inside conversations and the heart wrenching decisions, then you don’t get to judge. But we do. Again and again we do.

Pastor Danny noted that folks can always find a better way to run the service, whether it’s music, sound or lighting. We have that critical spirit inside of us that lets us think it’s okay to comment (even to ourselves) about someone’s weight, dress, or hair style. It isn’t okay. It isn’t funny. And it certainly doesn’t make us into better people. Just the opposite, in fact.

Pride goes before destruction,
and a haughty spirit before a fall. -- Proverbs 16:18

When we are haughty, we are filled with pride and arrogance. We think we know best and really we don’t have a clue. Sooner or later the truth always wins out and we are headed for a fall.

When we are willing to walk in someone else’s shoes, then we have a voice. But until we put those shoes on, we need to keep our opinions to ourselves and support those who are in the trenches doing what needs to be done.