In this book the prophet Isaiah continues with exposing Moab’s fate. Moab was a nation full of pride and ungodliness. They did not look to God for help and neither did the nation help others.
Verses 1-5: The nation of Moab is instructed on how to get into God’s graces. They will need to be fair and just, and help protect the remnant of Israel. They will also need to follow, consider and give to God in order to have His blessings.
Verses 6-14: Moab’s pride is ultimately the source of its downfall. From pride springs infinite sins. With pride we can justify almost anything. And the sorrow that came as the result of Moab’s pride and sin was great.
More often than not, we retain honor by maintaining silence over a boastful attitude or a loud presence. The answer to pride is humility, meekness and gentleness. To be humble is to accept our station, accept with satisfaction the life that God has given us and not to live in such a way that we:
– Believe that we are responsible for our blessings
– Think more highly of ourselves than others
– Let ourselves think that our lives are better than others’ lives
As the result of their pride, Moab’s prayers would not be heard. Neither their false God’s nor the true God would answer: “And it shall come to pass, When it is seen that Moab is weary on the high place, That he will come to his sanctuary to pray; But he will not prevail.” Isaiah 16:12
Consider these wise proverbs that deal with pride:
“When pride comes, then comes shame; But with the humble is wisdom.” Proverbs 11:2
“By pride comes nothing but strife, But with the well-advised is wisdom.” Proverbs 13:10
“In the mouth of a fool is a rod of pride, But the lips of the wise will preserve them.” Proverbs 14:3
“Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.” Proverbs 16:18
“A man’s pride will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honor.” Proverbs 29:23
To sum up for tonight, the main idea is to resist pride and follow God. In Him lies the answers to our questions and the comfort to our problems. God may not answer our prayers with the speed we want, but He does answer. Doing His will on earth will save us for an eternity in heaven.
“For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.” I John 2:16-17
Monday Night Bible Study 