DECEMBER 13 - The Upside-Down Crown

3-Year-Bible Reading: Proverbs 29:23; Psalm 141; Isaiah 7:14; Isaiah 9:1–7; Isaiah 11:1–10

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One's pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor. — Proverbs 29:23

Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips! — Psalm 141:3

Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. — Isaiah 7:14

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given... and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. — Isaiah 9:6

There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit. — Isaiah 11:1

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We usually think of power, popularity, and confidence as signs of success. But Proverbs 29:23 flips that idea upside down: it says that pride actually brings people low, while humility leads to honor. That’s not just a good quote—it’s God’s truth. And the most powerful example? Jesus.

Isaiah 7:14 tells us Jesus was born in the most unexpected way—not in a palace but through a virgin, in a tiny town. The King of Kings didn’t arrive with loud fanfare or military power. He came as a baby—weak, quiet, and humble. But that baby would change the world.

Isaiah 9 paints Jesus as our “Prince of Peace,” and Isaiah 11 describes Him as a new shoot growing from what looked like a dead tree—bringing life, hope, and justice. That’s God’s way: not through hype or ego, but through humility, wisdom, and love.

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THINK ABOUT IT

1. Pride vs. Honor: Where in your life do you feel tempted to show off or act like you’ve got it all together? How might humility actually lead to something greater?

2. Watch Your Words: Psalm 141 reminds us that our mouths matter. Are your words building others up or tearing them down?

3. Jesus’ Example: How does Jesus’ humble birth and life challenge the world’s idea of what it means to be “great”?

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BOTTOM LINE

True greatness isn’t about being the loudest, the coolest, or the most followed—it’s about living like Jesus: humble, loving, and full of peace.

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PRAYER

Heavenly Father, help me not to chase pride or popularity, but to follow the example of Jesus. Teach me to speak with kindness, to live with humility, and to trust that Your way leads to true honor. Remind me that greatness in Your Kingdom looks different—and better—than the world’s version. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.