Blowing Your Own Horn
Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 22-24; Psalm 75
"I say to the boastful, ‘Do not boast,’ and to the wicked, ‘Do not lift up your horn; do not lift up your horn on high, or speak with haughty neck.’"
In Scripture, the image of a horn represents strength, power, and authority. To “lift up the horn” is to exalt oneself, to act in pride as if strength and success come from personal ability rather than from God. The boastful raise their horns high, defying God’s rule and seeking their own glory.
But Psalm 75 reminds us that promotion and power do not come from the east or the west, nor from human effort—they come from the Lord (v. 6-7). The prideful may lift themselves up, they blow their own horn, but it is God who ultimately lifts up and brings low.
This truth challenges us to examine our own hearts. Do we rely on our own strength, boasting in our achievements? Do we, even subtly, act as if our success is self-made? God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). The call of this psalm is clear: lay down your horn before the Lord. Do not exalt yourself, but trust Him to establish and sustain you. Don’t give in to the temptation to blow your own horn.
Jesus, the true King, showed us the way. He did not grasp for power but humbled Himself, taking the form of a servant (Philippians 2:5-8). And because of His humility, God highly exalted Him (v. 9). If we follow His example, trusting in God rather than our own strength, we will find that the only lifting up that matters is the one that comes from His hand.
Will you lay down your horn today?
