The Majesty of Humility: A Devotional on Psalm 138:6

"Though the LORD be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off." - Psalms 138:6

"Though the LORD be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off." - Psalms 138:{verse.verse_number}

The world is filled with dizzying heights of power, wealth, and influence. Those who stand at the top can often seem untouchable, their interests and concerns distant from the daily struggles of the average person. Yet, the Word of God offers a profound and comforting truth in Psalm 138:6, which says, "Though the LORD be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off" (KJV). In this verse, we capture a glimpse of the divine nature of God—a being whose majesty and greatness are coupled with a loving concern for those who are humble and lowly.

**The Highness of God**

To say that the LORD is "high" speaks to His exalted position—He is the Creator of the universe, the sustainer of all things. His wisdom, power, and glory are beyond human comprehension. Isaiah 55:9 emphasizes this: "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” In the grand tapestry of existence, God transcends every created being. He inhabits a realm of perfect holiness and righteousness, where none can approach Him without the mediation of grace. Yet, even amidst His holiness, the LORD does not stand detached from His creation.

**God's Respect for the Lowly**

The latter part of the verse introduces a radical notion: God has respect unto the lowly. The term "lowly" refers not just to a status of poverty or lack; it conveys a certain attitude of the heart—one marked by humility, meekness, and a recognition of our dependence on God. God esteems those who are humble, those who acknowledge their need for Him and resist the temptation to appear grand in their own estimation. This concept resonates with other biblical truths where humility is exalted, such as James 4:10, which declares, "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up."

The life of Jesus is the ultimate picture of humility. He, being God incarnate, chose to live among the lowly, to serve rather than to be served. He spent His time with those marginalized by society: the poor, the sick, and sinners. Matthew 11:29 captures His heart: "Learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls." We see that God seeks out those who are broken and contrite. He delights in them and draws near to their cries.

**A Warning Against Pride**

In stark contrast, the verse also warns that "the proud he knoweth afar off." Pride is an abomination to God. It separates us from Him, creating a barrier that prevents the flow of divine grace into our lives. Throughout the Scriptures, pride leads to destruction (Proverbs 16:18). The proud are those who self-exalt, relying on their strength and wisdom rather than recognizing their need for God. The distance that God keeps from the proud is not merely a physical separation; it is a relational void that leaves them spiritually bankrupt.

**A Call to Humble Living**

So what does this mean for us today? First, it invites us to examine our own hearts. Are we displaying humility in our lives? Are we, in our quest for success, inadvertently embracing pride? Our prayers, our dealings with others, and our service should be rooted in a deep awareness of our lowly position before a high and holy God.

Furthermore, we are reminded of the comfort that comes from humility. When we approach God as the lowly, recognizing our need, we can rest assured that we have His respect, love, and favor. He hears us, He sees us, and more importantly, He draws near to us. This profound truth should inspire us to live in humility, extending grace and love to those around us, acknowledging that true greatness lies not in power or pride, but in servanthood and love.

**Conclusion**

As we reflect on Psalm 138:6, let us walk humbly before the Lord, embracing our lowly state with joy and gratitude for His grace. In humility, we find true strength, for in our weakness, His power is perfected (2 Corinthians 12:9). Seek to be known not for your pride but for your humble dependence on the Almighty, who's always ready to lift up the lowly.

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Psalms 138:6 Artwork

Psalms 138:6 - "Though the LORD be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off."

Psalms 138:6 - "Though the LORD be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off."

"Though the LORD be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off." - Psalms 138:6

"Though the LORD be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off." - Psalms 138:6

Psalms 138:3 - "In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul."

Psalms 138:3 - "In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul."

"Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded are righteous and very faithful." - Psalms 119:138

"Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded are righteous and very faithful." - Psalms 119:138

Psalms 138:5 - "Yea, they shall sing in the ways of the LORD: for great is the glory of the LORD."

Psalms 138:5 - "Yea, they shall sing in the ways of the LORD: for great is the glory of the LORD."

Psalms 119:138 - "Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded are righteous and very faithful."

Psalms 119:138 - "Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded are righteous and very faithful."

Psalms 138:1 - "I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee."

Psalms 138:1 - "I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee."

Psalms 138:4 - "All the kings of the earth shall praise thee, O LORD, when they hear the words of thy mouth."

Psalms 138:4 - "All the kings of the earth shall praise thee, O LORD, when they hear the words of thy mouth."

Psalms 138:8 - "The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands."

Psalms 138:8 - "The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands."

"Yea, they shall sing in the ways of the LORD: for great is the glory of the LORD." - Psalms 138:5

"Yea, they shall sing in the ways of the LORD: for great is the glory of the LORD." - Psalms 138:5

"The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands." - Psalms 138:8

"The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands." - Psalms 138:8

"The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands." - Psalms 138:8

"The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands." - Psalms 138:8

 I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee. Psalms 138:1

I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee. Psalms 138:1

Psalms 138:2 - "I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name."

Psalms 138:2 - "I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name."

 I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee. Psalms 138:1

I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee. Psalms 138:1

 I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee. Psalms 138:1

I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee. Psalms 138:1

 I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee. Psalms 138:1

I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee. Psalms 138:1

Psalms 138:7 - "Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me."

Psalms 138:7 - "Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me."

"In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul." - Psalms 138:3

"In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul." - Psalms 138:3

Psalms 126:6

Psalms 126:6

"All the kings of the earth shall praise thee, O LORD, when they hear the words of thy mouth." - Psalms 138:4

"All the kings of the earth shall praise thee, O LORD, when they hear the words of thy mouth." - Psalms 138:4

"I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee." - Psalms 138:1

"I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee." - Psalms 138:1

Psalms 115:6 - "They have ears, but they hear not: noses have they, but they smell not:"

Psalms 115:6 - "They have ears, but they hear not: noses have they, but they smell not:"

Psalms 30:6 - "And in my prosperity I said, I shall never be moved."

Psalms 30:6 - "And in my prosperity I said, I shall never be moved."

"Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me." - Psalms 138:7

"Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me." - Psalms 138:7

Psalms 129:6 - "Let them be as the grass upon the housetops, which withereth afore it groweth up:"

Psalms 129:6 - "Let them be as the grass upon the housetops, which withereth afore it groweth up:"

Psalms 144:6 - "Cast forth lightning, and scatter them: shoot out thine arrows, and destroy them."

Psalms 144:6 - "Cast forth lightning, and scatter them: shoot out thine arrows, and destroy them."

Psalms 74:6 - "But now they break down the carved work thereof at once with axes and hammers."

Psalms 74:6 - "But now they break down the carved work thereof at once with axes and hammers."

Psalms 6:6

Psalms 6:6

Psalms 80:6 - "Thou makest us a strife unto our neighbours: and our enemies laugh among themselves."

Psalms 80:6 - "Thou makest us a strife unto our neighbours: and our enemies laugh among themselves."