Psalm 18:27  
Haughty eyes
      You may recall from Proverbs 6:17 that there are seven things that the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to Him: -
1.     Haughty eyes
2.     A lying tongue
3.     Hands that shed innocent blood
4.     A heart that devises wicked schemes
5.     Feet that are quick to rush into evil
6.     A false witness who pours out lies
7.     A person who stirs up conflict in the community

At first viewing it would seem that “haughty eyes” are the least detestable of the seven  things and yet they appear at the top of the list! Here in Psalm 18 we read that the Lord saves the humble but brings low those whose eyes are haughty. We do well then to spend a moment pondering the seriousness of the sin of pride. Hannah’s beautiful prayer, recorded in 1 Samuel 2, includes this statement: - “Do not keep talking so proudly or let your mouth speak such arrogance, for the Lord is a God who knows, and by Him deeds are weighed.” The song goes on to contrast the fortunes of those who have much and those who have little and the conclusion is that everything is in the Lord’s hands and we are completely dependent on Him. What then can we boast about for we own nothing and have achieved nothing except what He allows?  That is why the Lord abhors: -
·      Those who trust in themselves rather than Him
·      Those who talk up themselves and boast in their accomplishments
·      Those who trust in their own might
·      Those who indulge themselves and care nothing for others
·      Those who think that they have earned their wealth or good fortune


We do well to heed the words of Isaiah the Prophet in his final chapter, where the Lord declares, “These are the ones I look on with favour: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word.” David himself later records in Psalm 51:17, “My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit: a broken and contrite heart You, God, will not despise.”  Enough said!

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