No one can receive anything except
what has been given from heaven.
—John 3:27
Margaret Keane’s husband, Walter, was selling her famous “big eyes” paintings, claiming he was the artist.
After their divorce, Margaret sued. The shrewd Solomon-like judge ordered both Margaret and Walter to create a “big eyes” painting in the courtroom to determine who was telling the truth. Adios, Walter.
Taking credit for any talent we have or good we do is misguided. “What do you have that you did not receive? And if you received it, why do you boast as if it were not a gift” (1 Cor 4:7).
“Do not let the wise boast in their wisdom, do not let the mighty boast in their might, do not let the wealthy boast in their wealth; but let those who boast boast in this, that they understand and know me, that I am the Lord” (Jer 9:23–24).
Arrogance is a strange disease. It makes
everybody sick except the one who has it.