The only really familiar proverb in this chapter is found in verse 18, the one about pride going before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall. Our modern American culture, however, seems to exalt the importance of the self and the individual. We are told and taught to assert ourselves, and Madison Avenue advertisers are constantly telling us that we "deserve" such and such a thing. We seem to see humility and meekness as weaknesses rather the attitudes that God's Word tells us are necessary and proper -

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:3 KJV).

"Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth" (Matthew 5:5 KJV).

" ... this is what Yahweh asks of you: only this, to act justly, to love tenderly and to walk humbly with your God" (Micah 6:8 Jerusalem Bible).

Which of the unfamiliar proverbs will you choose from today's chapter as your thought for today?

David Vignali