1 Peter 5:5-7 Likewise, you younger, submit yourselves to the elder. Yes, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility… I. THE FOLLY OF PRIDE. 1. Are we proud of our strength? It is far inferior to that of many beasts. 2. Our clothing? It is not so pretty as the peacock's. What is deficient in the head they put outside. 3. Our beauty? It is inferior to many flowers. 4. Our riches? That man is a fool who prides himself upon these, for he is below a chain of pearls or a knot of diamonds. 5. Our birth? He who plumes himself upon this is proud of the blessings of others, not his own. II. THE WICKEDNESS OF PRIDE. 1. It makes a man especially hateful to God (Proverbs 8:13; Proverbs 16:5). 2. It is the most diabolical sin with which we are acquainted (1 Timothy 3:6). 3. It is the most productive of all sins (Hebrews 2:5; Psalm 10:2; Proverbs 13:10). III. THE DESTRUCTIVENESS OF PRIDE. It is the forerunner of shame. IV. THE CURE OF PRIDE — humility. 1. Be convinced of its great excellency. 2. Store your mind with knowledge. 3. Its effects. (1) It consists not in railing against yourself. (2) It consists more in feeling than saying.Lessons: 1. Never be ashamed of birth, parents, trade, or poverty. 2. Let others be praised in thy presence; object nothing; his disparagement increases not thy worth. 3. Nay, exalt thy brother, if truth and God's glory need it. Cyrus played only with those more skilful than himself, lest he should shame them by his victory, that he might learn something of them, and do them civilities. (J. Summerfield, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. |
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