We have heard of Moab’s pomposity,

his exceeding pride and conceit,

his proud arrogance and haughtiness of heart.

I know his insolence,”

declares the LORD,

“but it is futile.

His boasting is as empty as his deeds. vs29-30

God knows us - that we are nothing! We can boast all we want, but He knows our depravity and emptiness. He knows the vanity of man’s heart! Do not be a fool and boast against the Lord. Humble yourself. He has power to destroy you!

First, the wise man is humble and comes down! He heeds the warning. He sees God mighty in power, fears, and trembles [Isa 66:1-2]. He shakes like a leaf to grab hold of Christ.

Man is NOT WISE to refuse his Maker and fight against Him, like a thorn bush against the Flame.

Fury is not in Me.

Who would set briers and thorns

Against Me in battle?

I would go through them,

I would burn them together.

Or let him take hold of My strength,

That he may make peace with Me;

And he shall make peace with Me.” [Isa 27:4-5]

It is far better to bow to His mercy and confess our sins, lest He destroy us. It is better to admit our nothingness and be exalted. We don’t have to fake strength. We can be helpless, which is far better: There is a sweetness to God being merciful to sinners, like you! It exalts His love, binds our heart, and produces thanksgiving! The wonder of the gospel is God loving and being gracious to us; it is not man’s strength.

Be humble, and you’ll be exalted. Pride leads to destruction.

Secondly, the proud are foolish! They pretend greatness. They deceive others into praising them, but it will all tumble down eventually, eaten by worms, like the mighty Herod!

Acts 12: 21-23, On the appointed day, Herod donned his royal robes, sat on his throne, and addressed the people. And they began to shout, “This is the voice of a god, not a man!”

Immediately, because Herod did not give glory to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died.

Men praise you, but it is short lived! Hell will open her mouth, swallow you, and then shut the door. There is no getting out! You had a chance to be humble, but in pride, you fought God! You’ll confess Jesus Christ as Lord, while He sentences your doom, and there’ll be no turning back.

Be humble, now. Listen, now! Hearken, while you have the chance!

Thirdly, God humbles us. We are implacable sinners, hard as the next person, and totally incapable of turning ourselves. Therefore, He comes to us with sovereign mercy and puts truth in our hearts. He allows us to FAIL, and see it!

When David saw the angel striking down the people, he said to the LORD, “Surely I, the shepherd, have sinned and acted wickedly. But these sheep, what have they done? Please, let Your hand fall upon me and my father’s house.” [2 Sam 24:17]

We take responsibility. He stops our pride, silences vain boasting, and causes us to understand. He gives enlightenment.

Many were on the road with Paul, but he alone saw the Lord Jesus and heard Him clearly.

About noon as I was approaching Damascus, suddenly a bright light from heaven flashed around me. I fell to the ground and heard a voice say to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?’ [Acts 22:6]

Others saw and heard something, but only Paul understood the message. This is God’s sovereign grace. He delivers one and leaves the others to rebellion. One is humbled, and the rest, by their own freewill, are left to walk in pride! They despise His counsel, so He lets them go, but chosen vessels are brought to repentance!

“He is praying” [Acts 9:11]!

He who never prayed through Jesus is now beseeching God to open his eyes. He sees his sin, and he’s struggling. He will find only one way of relief. Baptism! Jesus Christ died, and I died with Him; He lives and I live.