Poor In Spirit

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven”
Matthew 5:3.

John Calvin called humility “the sovereign virtue. . .the mother and root of all virtue.” Andrew Murray said that humility was the “root” of our spiritual life. Jesus makes it clear that if we are going to live on the rock, we are going to begin with poverty in spirit, that is, humility.

Consider the following Proverbs as you make decisions to practice humility toward others.

“Fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. Only fools despise wisdom and discipline” Proverbs 1:7.

“My child, don’t ignore it when the Lord disciplines you, and don’t be discouraged when he corrects you. For the Lord corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights” Proverbs 3:11-12.

“People who accept correction are on the pathway to life, but those who ignore it will lead others astray” Proverbs 10:17.

“To learn, you must love discipline, it is stupid to hate correction” Proverbs 12:1.

“Fools think they need no advice, but the wise listens to others” Proverbs 12:15.

“People who despise advice will find themselves in trouble; those who respect it will

succeed” Proverbs 13:13.

“If you ignore criticism, you will end up in poverty and disgrace; if you accept criticism, you will be honored” Proverbs 13:18.

“Mockers don’t love those who rebuke them, so they stay away from the wise” Proverbs 15:12.

“Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many counselors bring success” Proverbs 15:22.

“If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise. If you reject criticism, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding. Fear of the Lord teaches a person to be wise; humility precedes honor” Proverbs 15:31-33.

“A single rebuke does more for a person of understanding than a hundred lashes on the back of a fool” Proverbs 17:10.

“Valid criticism is treasured by the one who heeds it as jewelry made from the finest gold” Proverbs 25:12.

“Whoever stubbornly refuses to accept criticism will suddenly be broken beyond repair” Proverbs 29:1.

May God take away our lust to be treated like Him!

— Bob Clark

1/15/2003