Faithfulness in a World of Pride

The Pride of Men (v.6a)

Proverbs 1:6 “To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; The words of the wise, and their dark sayings.”

Exposition:

Human nature is quick to boast. People exaggerate their morality, their accomplishments, their worthiness. Pride is woven into our fallen nature.

Illustration:

Think of job applications or social media profiles—rarely do people highlight their failures. Like the Pharisee in Luke 18, we proclaim our own goodness.

Application:

Pride blinds us to our true condition.

A man who constantly boasts is usually hiding his weaknesses.

Do I find myself defending my goodness rather than confessing my sin?

The Problem of Faithfulness

Proverbs 20:6 “Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: But a faithful man who can find?”

“But a faithful man who can find?”

Exposition:

Faithfulness is scarce. Many can talk about themselves, but few can be trusted to stand firm, stay true, and serve others over time.

Illustration:

In sports, business, or even friendships, talent is common, but loyalty is rare. Paul said of Timothy, “I have no man like-minded, who will naturally care for your state” (Phil. 2:20).

Application:

In your marriage, workplace, and church—are you faithful or just flashy?

God is looking for servants who are dependable, not just visible.

Our faithfulness reflects His faithfulness.

The Pattern of Integrity

Proverbs 20:7 “The just man walketh in his integrity: His children are blessed after him.”

Exposition:

A faithful man shows integrity — wholeness, consistency, living the same in private and in public. Integrity blesses not only the man but also his family and those who follow.

Illustration:

Think of a tree with deep roots—it weathers storms and provides shelter for generations. Integrity is that root system.

Application:

Fathers, mothers, leaders—your example will shape those who come after you.

A man of integrity may not be famous, but his children will reap the blessings.

Faithfulness is not measured in moments, but in a lifetime of consistency.

The Penetrating Judge

Proverbs 20:9 “Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?”

Exposition:

Earthly kings could see and judge, but their vision was limited. Christ, the King of kings, sees perfectly and scatters evil with His penetrating gaze. Nothing escapes Him.

Illustration:

Security cameras catch what people try to hide. How much more does Christ, whose eyes are as “a flame of fire” (Rev. 1:14), see all?

Application:

Live as though Christ is watching—because He is.

You can fool people with words, but not the Judge with perfect sight.

Faithfulness matters, because the King will reveal what is hidden.

The Purification of the Heart

Proverbs 20:9 “Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?”

Exposition:

No man can purify himself. Our boasting (v.6) is hollow, our faithfulness is incomplete, our integrity is imperfect. We cannot cleanse our hearts—only God can through Christ.

Illustration:

You can wash your hands, but you can’t wash your heart. No amount of “self-improvement” erases guilt. Like David prayed, “Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow” (Ps. 51:7).

Application:

Stop trusting in your own goodness.

Run to Christ, the only one who cleanses sin.

Faithfulness flows from forgiveness—once God purifies the heart, He empowers a faithful walk.

Conclusion

Men may proclaim their own goodness, but God sees the truth. Faithful men are rare, but they leave a legacy of blessing. Christ is the penetrating Judge, and only God can purify our sinful hearts.

The question is not, “Am I good enough?” but “Have I been cleansed by Christ?”

The call is to stop boasting, start walking in integrity, and remain faithful until He comes.