The phrase "be clothed" in verse five means to gird oneself with an apron. It is the picture of what Jesus did in the upper room when He girded Himself with an apron and assumed the role of a servant and washed the feet of the disciples. Jesus, the Son of God and Sovereign Majesty of the universe, actually clothed Himself with the apron of humility and served the disciples.
The word "humility" means to offer oneself as lowly and submissive; to walk in a spirit of lowliness. It is the opposite of thinking you are better than others, prideful and arrogant. Philippians 2:3 'Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves'
So we are told to clothe ourselves in humility. Now note why we are to clothe ourselves in humility – because God opposes the proud and gives grace to the humble. Peter here is quoting Proverbs 3:34.
Pride – we all know what pride does in our lives, right. It was pride—a desire to be like God—that stirred Eve to take the forbidden fruit. 1 John 2:16 “For all that is in the world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life--is not of the Father but is of the world.” NKJV
"The pride of life" is an evidence of worldliness. The only antidote to pride is the grace of God, and we receive that grace when we yield ourselves to Him.
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