Proverbs 11:2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace,
    but with humility comes wisdom.

Pride is a funny thing. It creates false expectations in the one who has it, like inflating a balloon, and when that balloon is popped, it seems disastrous. The humble person, in contrast, is grateful when they are able to do things. Dennis Prager has said many times that he tries to have no expectations, of himself or others, and that way he’s never disappointed. However, at the moment he’s recovering from a broken neck, which sometimes requires breathing assistance via a tracheostomy. That naturally makes him unable to speak, and he has been a public speaker all his life, since his early 20s. That is putting an entirely new picture on the question of expectations! True wisdom carries the awareness that we wouldn’t even exist apart from the grace of God, and so generates gratitude for God providing so much, enabling us to do so much. One of the “features” of aging is the gradual loss of abilities that were once possessed. Properly understood, that brings humility, which contributes to the storied “wisdom of the aged.” That too is part of God’s gracious plan, but we often rebel against it. There’s another old expression: “There’s no fool like an old fool.” Age doesn’t guarantee wisdom! Genuine wisdom starts with humility, recognizing that we are finite, created beings, but our Creator loves us anyway, and so focuses on hearing and obeying Him.

I feel like I could write a book on pride, since I was so mired in it for part of my life. I wasn’t a “bad” person, but somehow I thought I deserved all the good stuff God had given me. Big mistake! I was devastated when God tapped me on the shoulder and, when I turned, showed me a mirror to see the state of my own soul, just for a moment. Had it been any longer, I couldn’t have endured it. I have always had a high IQ, but I had to learn the hard way that doesn’t equal wisdom. At this point, inability sometimes equals frustration, but that’s not the same as shame. Yesterday the Lord enabled me to do many things, and it was in general a very good day, but I forgot to do something important for someone, and I will have to make up that mistake. I’m still learning! My point is to stay focused on my Lord, listening to Him and doing what He says, in gratitude for His truly amazing grace.

Father, thank You for this reminder. Thank You indeed for all that yesterday held. Help me recognize and follow Your guidance each moment of today, so that Your will may be done on Your schedule for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!