He Guides the Humble
In Proverbs 25:9 it is written, "He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way." Today, we'll look at what I feel is the single most important aspect within to achieving freedom from debt... being humble.
When presented with the concept of making significant change, as in making a plan, adhering to a budget and becoming debt-free, many will initially turn away from the idea just because of their pride. They consider how it would feel or appear to others if certain changes were made and then decide it is not for them. Those swayed by pride will take on deeper debt, convinced they will make enough money down the road to cover it. Later however, a number of those same persons become forced into making the drastic changes just to stay afloat when they reach their credit limits, incur a drop in income or suffer a hardship.
In Proverbs 6, starting in verse 16, it lists things the Lord hates with the first stated to be a proud look (the spirit that makes one overestimate himself and underestimate others). This carries such weight because God knows this attitude includes underestimating God Himself and the wisdom He proclaims, which includes owing no man anything except to love one another (Romans 13:8).
The pride of a person and fear of what others will think, cuts them off from turning in the direction of prudence - to curtail or remove certain excesses in their spending. In contrast, one who reveres the Lord acknowledges with a mindset of "this is Your will for me, I can step forth in faith knowing You are with me in this, regardless of what others may think."
At times here, it's been listed certain areas of spending to address that will make a difference. The beauty of pursuing being humble is that the Lord has promised in our first verse above to "guide the humble... and teach them his way". That makes our part much simpler, to place our focus on being humble and with the Lord - which opens the gateway to receiving from Him, including specific instruction on what step is right to take and what to avoid.
God also speaks of His approval towards those walking humbly, stated in these and other scriptures:
Those who humble themselves will be exalted (Luke 14:11)
But this is the one to whom I will look, to the humble and contrite in spirit, who trembles at my word (Isaiah 66:2)
True humility and fear of the Lord lead to riches, honor and long life (Proverbs 22:4)
Lastly, know that the Lord is on your side as you choose the humility He desires...
God opposed the proud but shows favor to the humble (James 4:6)
God Bless you and may He show Himself greatly to you,
Paul
