Take the Lower Place

Proverbs 25:6-7

Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king,

and stand not in the place of great men:

For better it is that it be said unto thee, Come up hither; than that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of the prince whom thine eyes have seen.

We are told by the Lord that we should not put ourselves in places of honor by own volition.  We are not to assume or desire a place of worldly prestige or position.  The Lord tells us to take the lower seat at a feast.  If we are asked to come up we are blessed.  It is better to humble ourselves and allow the Lord to lift us up.  When we go to a party or event don’t assume you have the head table.  When you are in the presence of anyone in direct authority over you don’t strive to sit by them or schmooze your way into an inner circle.  This could show that we are presumptuous and think more highly of ourselves than we ought.  Take the lower place and allow the Lord to lift us up.  It is better to be told, come up here than be asked to go to a lower place.  The Lord is trying to save us embarrassment and reminding us that truly we are but dust.  Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord and He will lift you up.  Don’t ever presume position or privilege.