The Humble Will Be Exalted

"For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted."  Matthew 23:12 (NIV)

These are the words spoken by Jesus, The Christ, to His disciples, to the crowd, and to the Pharisees and Sadducees in the temple in Jerusalem, as recorded by the Apostle Matthew.  He said this after telling them not to do things just to be seen by men.  He also said that they should not seek lofty titles, or call themselves "Rabbi", or "father", or "teacher".  The man who exalts himself will be brought down, and the man who humbles himself will be exalted.

We should not promote or exalt ourselves, true promotion and exaltation comes from The Lord, He puts up one and puts down another. (Psalms 75:6-7)  He will honor and bless whomever He chooses, for whatever purposes He chooses.  The proud shall be brought down and the humble shall be honored. (Proverbs 29:23)  It is better to be invited up to a position of honor than it is to be asked to move or step down after taking a position or seat on your own.  It is better to be humble than to be proud. (Proverbs 16:19 and 1 Peter 5:5)  If we humble ourselves before The Lord, He will lift us up. (James 4:10 and 1 Peter 5:6)