Be Humble, Be Wise

When pride comes, then comes shame; But with the humble is wisdom.

Proverbs 11:2

On December 6, 2001, American evangelist Billy Graham received a singular honor from the British Empire. He was given an honorary knighthood in recognition of his Christian service benefiting England and the world. When given his award by the British ambassador to the United States, the evangelist’s remarks were characteristic: “I accept it with humility and unworthiness.” He went on to say that he looked forward to laying his honorary knighthood, along with any other recognition he has ever received, at the feet of Jesus Christ, who deserves all the honor and praise.

One has to wonder if the impact of Billy Graham and his ministry around the world is in any way connected with his personal spirit of “humility and unworthiness.” In light of biblical testimony concerning humility, the answer has to be yes. God gives skill and advancement to the humble and actively resists (stands in the way of) the proud. If you have a destination in view, you can remove at least one serious roadblock by being humble on the way.

Skills for living are not acquired as much as they are received in the form of grace—given by God as wisdom to the humble.