Proverbs 18:17: The first one to plead his cause seems right, until his neighbor comes and examines him.
Insight
Here we are warned against justifying ourselves. Self-flattery is our cherished nature. We rate our supposed excellencies and are blind to our real imperfections. We are so ready to present our own cause in a good light and sometimes, almost unconsciously, to throw a shade over or even omit what might seem to balance it on the other side. It is so difficult to state facts and circumstances with perfect accuracy when our own name or credit is concerned. Guard against a self-justifying spirit. Cultivate a spirit of self-distrust. In sincere prayer lay yourself open to His searching out your secret sins. 1
Application
In Philippians 2:3, the Apostle Paul teaches about how to develop the right perspective about ourselves: “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.”
Explain a situation when you thought you were absolutely right, only to discover that the you were absolutely wrong. What did you learn about waiting until you have all the facts? How important is waiting before forming and communicating an opinion? Learning to be gracious is something you will never regret. Try it!
Motivation
And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Matthew 7:3
A balanced life is when our love for others is greater than our love for ourselves. – TWEET IT
Prayer
Father, please correct me from trying to live a self-righteous Christianity.
1. Bridges, C. (2001). Proverbs. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
