“Shall not God search this out? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart.” — Psalm 44:21
“For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?” — 1 Corinthians 4:7
These two verses reveal two humbling truths: God knows what is inside us. God gave us everything we have.
Psalm 44:21 reminds us that nothing is hidden from God. We may conceal motives from men, but not from Him. He searches not just our words, but our secrets. 1 Corinthians 4:7 reminds us that even our gifts, abilities, positions, and blessings are not self-produced. They were received. Therefore, boasting is misplaced.
Together these verses teach: God sees our pride, and God supplied our blessings. The heart that understands both truths will walk in humility and sincerity.
Daniel 4 – Nebuchadnezzar’s Pride
King Nebuchadnezzar stood in his palace and said: “Is not this great Babylon, that I have built… by the might of my power…?” (Daniel 4:30). But God searched his heart (Psalm 44:21). Pride was exposed. The kingdom he thought he built was actually given to him by God. What did he have that he had not received? Nothing. God humbled him until he acknowledged: “The most High ruleth in the kingdom of men…” (Daniel 4:32).
Principle: When a man forgets that what he has was received, God may remind him.
Acts 12 – Herod’s Glory
Herod delivered a speech, and the people cried: “It is the voice of a god, and not of a man.” (Acts 12:22). Instead of rejecting the praise, he received it. But God knew the secret of his heart (Psalm 44:21). He gloried as though his authority and power were self-generated. “Immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory…” (Acts 12:23).
When we take glory for what we received, we rob God.
God knows your motives.
God gave your abilities.
God supplied your ministry.
God sustains your breath.
There is no room for pride — only gratitude.
“Lord, search my heart, and remind me that everything I have is from Thee.”