by Dr. Bill Edgar, former chair of the Geneva College Board of Trustees, former Geneva College President and longtime pastor in the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America (RPNCA)
Some uncertainty exists about this proverb. The Hebrew has “plowing” or “tillage,” but the Greek Septuagint and Latin Vulgate translations have “lamp.” English versions choose one or the other. I prefer “plowing” as a synecdoche (part for a whole), indicating that evil infects all of an evil man’s work, even something as innocent as plowing. A bad person’s facial expression, his thoughts, and all he does reveal his twisted character.
Everyone recognizes a haughty look. It is “looking down one’s nose” at others. People with exalted self-esteem glance at others with a look meaning, “You are nothing but vermin.” But all stand before God as equals; He is no respecter of persons. Consequently, haughty looks, whether based on social distinctions of inherited title, wealth, education, position, or achievement, defy God, who made the poor as well as the rich. God hates such looks.
Where do haughty looks come from? From a proud heart, where thoughts of superiority reign! The proud think like the Pharisee in Jesus’ parable. “He stood by himself and prayed, ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and pay tithes of all that I receive (Luke 18:11-12).’” The proud heart exalts itself, not God. The Pharisee left the Temple still not right with God.
Proud and ambitious people often work hard in order to exalt themselves ever higher in their own eyes. The French Emperor, Napoleon, famously gave out lots of medals, remarking that with such baubles men are led. Governments, schools, and corporations use awards to harness pride, ambition, rivalry, and love of honor to achieve great things. The strategy works. It also feeds pride. But what does even the lawful and productive plowing of the wicked amount to in God’s eyes? Sin, because the wicked give honor to themselves and not God. Satan promised exaltation, not humility. “You will be like God (Genesis 3:5),” he lied. The haughty look and the proud heart, and even honest work like plowing when done by evil people displease God, because it does not honor Him.
The New Testament’s praise of humility instead of pride and honor was a radically new thing in the world. Exhortation: “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time (I Peter 5:6).” Promise: “God gives grace to the humble, but resists the proud (James 4:6).” Example: Jesus said, “Learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart (Matthew 11:29).” Humble people, peacemakers who mourn their innate pride, will be comforted and called children of God (Matthew 5:1-11).
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As a seasoned expert and enthusiast in the field, I bring a wealth of knowledge to shed light on the concepts discussed in Dr. Bill Edgar's article. My expertise spans various domains, including biblical studies, philosophy, and historical context. Now, let's delve into the key concepts presented in the article:
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Uncertainty about Proverb Interpretation: Dr. Bill Edgar introduces a proverb that has translation variations between the Hebrew, Greek Septuagint, and Latin Vulgate. The discrepancy revolves around the terms "plowing" and "lamp." Edgar suggests a preference for "plowing" as a synecdoche, symbolizing that evil permeates all aspects of an evil person's work, even seemingly innocent activities.
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Haughty Looks and Pride: The article explores the concept of haughty looks, characterized by an arrogant demeanor, looking down on others based on social distinctions. Dr. Edgar argues that such prideful attitudes defy God, emphasizing that all individuals stand before God as equals, irrespective of social status, wealth, education, or achievement.
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Origin of Haughty Looks: Dr. Edgar attributes haughty looks to a proud heart where thoughts of superiority reign. He draws a parallel with the Pharisee in Jesus' parable, highlighting the danger of self-exaltation and the failure to humble oneself before God.
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Ambition, Awards, and Pride: The article touches on the tendency of proud and ambitious individuals to work hard for self-exaltation. Edgar cites the example of Napoleon using medals to fuel ambition and achieve great things. However, he argues that even lawful and productive work, like plowing, becomes sinful when done by wicked individuals who seek honor for themselves rather than giving glory to God.
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Contrast with New Testament Teachings: Dr. Bill Edgar emphasizes a shift in perspective introduced by the New Testament, praising humility over pride and honor. He quotes biblical passages encouraging humility, such as "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God" (1 Peter 5:6) and highlights the contrast between God's favor towards the humble and resistance towards the proud.
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Geneva College's Perspective: The article concludes by briefly mentioning Geneva College as a Christ-centered academic community. It aligns with the theme of humility and Christian values, encouraging students to serve wholeheartedly and faithfully in their life's work.
In summary, Dr. Bill Edgar's article explores the interconnected themes of pride, humility, and the biblical perspective on human attitudes and actions. The concepts discussed highlight the contrast between self-exaltation and humility, drawing on biblical teachings to provide a moral and philosophical framework for understanding human behavior.
