Spurgeon Morning and Evening April 5 PM

Biblical Context

The Book of Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings and instructions, mostly written by King Solomon, David’s son. Solomon was known for his incredible wisdom, a gift he asked for from God. These proverbs aren’t just old sayings; they’re packed with God’s truth, giving us practical guidance for living a good life, a life that pleases God and works well with other people. They touch on everything from money and work to family and how we talk to others. Proverbs often puts two ideas next to each other to show a contrast or a cause-and-effect. It helps us see how our choices lead to certain outcomes.

Key Word Study

Our key word today comes from Proverbs 15:33: Humility.

In Hebrew, the word used here is anawah (עֲנָוָה). It means lowliness, meekness, or a humble spirit. It comes from a root word that can mean to be afflicted, to be bowed down, or to be poor. So, when the Bible talks about humility, it’s not just about thinking less of yourself, but about a real bowing down of your spirit. It’s about recognizing your true place before God, seeing yourself as you really are without any fake importance, and being open to being taught and led by Him. It’s not weakness; it’s a deep, settled understanding of who God is and who you are in comparison.

The Blessing in Being Humbled

When your soul feels truly humbled, it always brings a positive blessing with it. This isn’t just a nice idea; it’s how God works. It’s like a doorway. If we empty our hearts of self, God will fill them with His love. Think about it: you can’t pour new water into a cup that’s already full. We’ve got to let go of our own ideas of importance, our own stubborn ways, and our own efforts to control things. When we make space by letting go of ‘self,’ God steps in and fills that emptiness with His own deep, sweet love.

Seeking Close Communion with Christ

If you really want to get close to Jesus, you need to remember what the Lord said. He told us, "To this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at My word." This quote, from Isaiah 66:2, paints a clear picture. God doesn’t look for the strong or the proud or the one who knows it all. He looks for someone who feels spiritually poor, someone whose spirit is broken and sorry for their wrongs, and someone who takes His word seriously, with a deep respect and a bit of holy fear. That’s the person God pays attention to.

Stoop to Climb to Heaven

The way up to heaven isn’t by puffing yourself up; it’s by bending low. You’ve got to stoop if you want to climb to heaven. We say of Jesus, "He descended that He might ascend," don’t we? He came down from heaven, made Himself nothing, and then He rose again in glory. So must you. You must grow downwards, that you may grow upwards. It might sound backwards, but it’s God’s way. The more you humble yourself, the more you let go of your own greatness, the more you become ready for true spiritual growth. It’s a deep truth: the sweetest fellowship with heaven is to be had by humble souls, and by them alone. God won’t deny any blessing to a spirit that’s truly humbled.

The Kingdom of Heaven for the Humble

Think about Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:3: "Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven," with all its riches and treasures. This isn’t about being poor in money; it’s about being poor in spirit. It’s that deep sense of needing God, of having nothing to offer on your own. When you realize you’re spiritually bankrupt, that’s when God declares you blessed. Why? Because the entire kingdom of heaven, with all its amazing riches and treasures, is yours. It’s an incredible gift, given to those who see their own spiritual need and lean completely on God.

God’s Exchequer and Safe Blessings

The whole treasury of God shall be made over by deed of gift to the soul which is humble enough to be able to receive it without growing proud because of it. It’s a legal transfer, like receiving a property. God is ready to give you everything, but only if you can handle it. God blesses us all up to the full measure and extremity of what it is safe for Him to do. He’s a good Father, and He won’t give you something that will hurt you. If you don’t get a blessing, it’s because it’s not safe for you to have one right now. It’s not a punishment; it’s His protection. He knows what pride can do.

Safety in Being Kept Low

If our heavenly Father were to let your unhumbled spirit win a victory in His holy war, you would pilfer the crown for yourself. You’d take the credit, claim the glory as your own. And then, meeting with a fresh enemy, you would fall a victim. Your pride would set you up for a fall. So, God keeps you low for your own safety. It’s a loving act. He prevents you from hurting yourself with a victory you’d mismanage. When a man is sincerely humble, and never ventures to touch so much as a grain of the praise, there is scarcely any limit to what God will do for him. There’s no pride to get in the way, no self-glory to spoil the work. God can trust that person with much.

Humility: The Flower and the Sauce of Life

Humility makes us ready to be blessed by the God of all grace. It prepares our hearts to receive His kindness and favor. And not only that, but it also fits us to deal efficiently with our fellow men. A humble person is easier to get along with, easier to teach, and more willing to serve. True humility is a flower which will adorn any garden. It makes everything more beautiful. This is a sauce with which you may season every dish of life, and you will find an improvement in every case. Whether it’s a happy time or a hard time, adding humility makes it better, sweeter, and more manageable. Whether it be prayer or praise, whether it be work or suffering, the genuine salt of humility can’t be used in excess. You can’t have too much of it. It only makes things better, always.