some heart examination. . .

A few weeks ago I was reading through Proverbs 30 and I bumped up to this verse:

If you have been foolish in exalting yourself. . .put your hand on your mouth (Prov 30:32)

hmmm, foolish in exalting myself? yes, that applies to me. . . Put your hand on your mouth-a good practical reminder of what to do when tempted by pride. . . close my mouth.

And as God is ever faithful to discipline and grow me in Christ, last week I had opportunities- hand on mouth opportunities- in my numerous interactions with people and related to some personal circumstances (the kind I'd prefer to change. . .you know how that is).

However, the remedy to self-exaltation is not simply hand on mouth. . .it goes right to the source, to my heart.

Lord, help me to constantly examine my heart, weeding out even a hint of self-exaltation, that You alone would receive the glory. . .