“He who exalts his gate seeks destruction” (Prov. 17:19 NKJ).
Here is a call for modesty. It says to us: Don’t build for arrogant ostentation, materialistic display, or as a demonstration of wealth.
The Hebrew word translated gate here is pethach (peh’-thak) and is defined as “an opening, a doorway, or an entrance.” In ancient times, for the purpose of utility and protection, people of modest means would build the entrance to their homes low to the ground, not more than three feet high. Thus marauders and thieves would not be able to ride their horses into the courts of the lower-income people to rob or attack them.
“Exalting the gate” (increasing the height and size of the entrance) was a symbol of increased affluence, prestige, and status. In contrast to the lower echelons, the wealthy would have high and wide gates to their estates so honored guests could ride on horseback or in carriages right up to the house.
In a society composed of two economic extremes (“the haves” and “the have-nots”), this architectural difference could easily incite ambition to become a “high-gater.”
When invading Israel, Nebuchadnezzar honored the “low-gaters” by allowing them to choose whether they wanted to go away into captivity in Babylon or to remain in their homes. The “high-gaters” were given no such choice. They were carried away against their will and their homes burned to the ground (2 Kings 25:9-12).
Approximately 400 years earlier, Solomon might have foreseen all this and prophesied of it when he wrote that he who exalts his gate is asking for destruction. Some of us would be much better off staying low to the ground.
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.