Luke 14:7-11 And he put forth a parable to those which were bidden, when he marked how they chose out the chief rooms; saying to them.… I. THE VICE OF PRIDE IS FOOLISH FROM ITS VERY NATURE. We ought all to be deterred from pride by the fact that the proud endeavours to deceive both others and himself by pretended advantages; and also that, instead of gaining honour and favour, he usually renders himself contemptuous and odious. Yet it will help us to a more thorough conviction how utterly unfounded and foolish pride is if we meditate — 1. On the nothingness of man. (1) In the natural order. (a) What were we, say one hundred years ago? Nothing! No one thought of us. No one needed us. God called us from nothingness to life because He is good. (b) What are we now? We are not able to prolong our life for one minute unless God preserves it; we are subject to frailty of body and soul. (c) What are we to be ere long? We are to pass like a shadow: to die. (2) In the order of grace. (a) What have we been? Born in sin; and sinners by our own actions. (b) What are we to-day? Perhaps hardened in sin, or lukewarm. At best, exceedingly weak. (c) What shall we be at last? Dreadful uncertainty! Either converted, persevering, happy for ever, or obdurate, relapsing, reprobate for ever. Can we still remain proud, instead o! imploring in the dust the Divine mercy and grace? 2. On the greatness of God. II. THE VICE OF PRIDE IS FATAL IN ITS CONSEQUENCES 1. In reference to God. (1) Apostasy; (2) viciousness; (3) obduracy. 2. In reference to human society. (1) Anarchy, caused by the undermining of the pillars of social welfare, fidelity, piety, etc. (2) Revolution: when haughty governments oppress the people, or when the insolent masses refuse to submit to order. (3) Ruin of families, caused by dissensions. 3. In reference to individuals.The proud man is deprived of — 1. Inward peace, which is never enjoyed by a soul enslaved by her own passions, and at variance with God. 2. Outward peace, since it is continually clouded by real or imaginary opposition, affronts, humiliation, and contempt. 3. The enjoyment of true happiness. Although the proud have their triumphs, yet they are insufficient to satisfy man's heart, which will always crave for something more. Haman. (Repertorium Oratoris Sacri.) Parallel Verses KJV: And he put forth a parable to those which were bidden, when he marked how they chose out the chief rooms; saying unto them, |
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