Proverbs 25:6-7

Proverbs 25:6-7(ESV): “6  Do not put yourself forward in the king’s presence or stand in the place of the great, 7  for it is better to be told, “Come up here,” than to be put lower in the presence of a noble.”

It’s not wrong to desire a seat at the table of the noble. But such a seat is not taken—it is given. One must be invited, not presume they deserve it. Scripture reminds us: those who exalt themselves will be humbled. So, wait for the invitation.

In ancient Hebrew culture, to sit at the right hand of a ruler was to be honored above others. How arrogant it would be to claim that seat for oneself! Solomon warned his sons that self-promotion leads to public disgrace. It is far better to take the lowest place and be called higher than to claim a place of honor and be asked to move down.

How do you see yourself in relation to those around you? Do you secretly believe you are better than others? Beware—such pride is dangerous. True humility doesn’t mean thinking less of yourself; it means thinking of yourself less. That’s the heart of humility: to lift others up, to desire the best seat for them rather than assume it belongs to you.  Jesus, though equal with God, took the form of a servant. And because of that, He was highly exalted (Philippians 2:5–11). May we walk in His footsteps.

Father, You alone are worthy to be exalted in heaven and on earth. Help us to make it our aim to lift You high. And if You choose to honor us in this life, may we receive it with gratitude—but never with entitlement. Protect us from pride. We pray this in Jesus’ name, amen.