The soil where graces thrive best

("Solitude Sweetened" by James Meikle)

"I hate pride and arrogance!" Proverbs 8:13

Nothing is more odious to God than pride!

Humility is so lovely in the eyes of God, and
portrays such a beauty on the soul--that God
condescends to dwell there.

Affluence and prosperity are the soil where
corruptions are most luxuriant in their growth.
While poverty and affliction are the soil
where graces thrive best.

When I find myself in afflictive circumstances,
I may conclude that this very state is absolutely
necessary--either to suppress some sin that
might otherwise sprout up; or to exercise
some grace that otherwise might lie dormant;
and thus is most conducive both to God's glory,
and my own good.