The Lord reigns, He is clothed with majesty; the Lord is clothed. He has girded Himself with strength. (Psalm 93:1)
In the above verse, the Hebrew word translated as “majesty” — that which God clothes Himself — is also translated in other passages of Scripture as “arrogance” or “pride.” For example, David said that the wicked use their mouths to “speak arrogantly” (Psalm 17:10). Pride is a characteristic that no one who serves God should desire to exhibit and with good reason — God despises it. Solomon said that, of the seven things the Lord hates, a proud look is number one (Proverbs 6:17); James said that, “God resists the proud” (James 4:6). This being so, how is it that the Lord is described as being clothed with the same thing that, in some situations, is regarded as pride?
Everything that causes a man to display arrogance and pride — i.e. his talents, skills and accomplishments — is actually a gift from God. Obviously, when men display such arrogance and boast of their abilities, it is unsightly and despicable — even more so if that person claims to be a follower of the Messiah. But let’s go back to this — the abilities men are so proud of originate with God. The Almighty bestowed upon men specific strengths and talents with the intention that they be used for Heaven’s purpose. Unfortunately, as is so often the case, the gifts granted by Heaven for noble purposes are commonly misappropriated for selfish agendas. Nevertheless, the gift as it was given is a reflection of the Giver, therefore, should not the One who is just and holy boast of His greatness to us? Seeing that He is the source of all human accomplishments, should He not be clothed in grandeur that He alone is worthy of?
Man’s arrogance is a contemptible trait for many reasons, but chief among them is the hypocrisy of it. By that I mean, our power and authority is limited at best, and what power we do have is granted to us by Heaven. In short, we are not the ultimate source of power and strength, and so what is there to boast about? To the contrary, we are encouraged to be “clothed with humility” because “God gives grace to the humble (1 Peter 5:5). Lastly, if we are going to boast, let us adhere to the admonition recorded by the prophet Jeremiah which says:
“Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, let not the mighty man glory in his might, nor let the rich man glory in his riches; but let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight, says the Lord” (Jeremiah 9:23-24).
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
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