Habakkuk 2:4
Look at the proud one; his soul is not upright--but the righteous will live by faith--
Look at the proud one
The Hebrew word for "proud" here is "עֻפְלָה" (uphlah), which conveys a sense of arrogance and self-reliance. In the context of Habakkuk, this pride is often associated with the Babylonians, who were known for their military might and oppressive conquests. Historically, pride is a recurring theme in the Bible, often leading to downfall, as seen in the accounts of Pharaoh, Nebuchadnezzar, and others. This phrase serves as a warning against the dangers of self-exaltation and the false security it brings.

his soul is not upright—
The term "upright" in Hebrew is "יָשָׁר" (yashar), meaning straight or level. An "upright" soul is one that aligns with God's will and moral standards. The phrase suggests a moral and spiritual deficiency in the proud one, indicating a life not in harmony with God's righteousness. This reflects a broader biblical principle that true righteousness is not merely external but deeply rooted in one's inner being and relationship with God.

but the righteous
The Hebrew word for "righteous" is "צַדִּיק" (tzaddik), which denotes someone who is just, lawful, and in right standing with God. In the Old Testament, righteousness is often associated with faithfulness to God's covenant and commandments. This sets a contrast between the proud and the righteous, highlighting the different paths and outcomes of their lives. The righteous are those who seek to live according to God's standards, relying on His guidance and strength.

will live
The verb "live" in Hebrew is "חָיָה" (chayah), which means to have life, to remain alive, or to flourish. In this context, it implies more than mere physical survival; it suggests a life that is spiritually vibrant and eternally secure. This echoes the biblical promise that those who trust in God will experience true life, both now and in the age to come. It is a life marked by peace, purpose, and fulfillment in God's presence.

by his faith—
The Hebrew word for "faith" is "אֱמוּנָה" (emunah), which encompasses faithfulness, trust, and steadfastness. This phrase is pivotal, as it underscores the principle that righteousness is not achieved through human effort but through faith in God. This concept is foundational in both the Old and New Testaments, famously quoted in Romans 1:17 and Galatians 3:11, emphasizing that faith is the means by which believers are justified and live out their relationship with God. It is a call to trust in God's promises and His character, even amidst uncertainty and trials.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Habakkuk
A prophet in the Old Testament who dialogues with God about the problem of evil and injustice in the world.

2. The Proud One
Represents those who are arrogant and self-reliant, often seen as the Babylonians in the context of Habakkuk's prophecy.

3. The Righteous
Those who are justified and live in accordance with God's will, characterized by their faith and trust in God.

4. Babylon
The empire that God uses as an instrument of judgment against Judah, known for its pride and oppression.

5. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, facing impending judgment due to its own unfaithfulness and injustice.
Teaching Points
The Danger of Pride
Pride leads to a distorted soul and ultimately to downfall. We must guard against self-reliance and arrogance.

Living by Faith
True righteousness is characterized by faith. This faith is not passive but active trust and reliance on God in all circumstances.

Faith vs. Works
Our standing before God is based on faith, not our own efforts or achievements. This is a foundational truth for Christian living.

Perseverance in Trials
Just as Habakkuk was called to trust God amidst impending judgment, we are called to maintain our faith even when circumstances are challenging.

The Role of Faith in Salvation
Faith is not just a one-time act but a continual way of life that sustains and guides the believer.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the contrast between the proud and the righteous in Habakkuk 2:4 challenge your current walk with God?

2. In what ways can you actively live out your faith in daily life, especially in difficult situations?

3. How do the New Testament references to Habakkuk 2:4 deepen your understanding of the role of faith in salvation?

4. What are some practical steps you can take to guard against pride in your life?

5. How can the principle of "the righteous will live by his faith" encourage you to persevere in your current challenges?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Romans 1:17
Paul quotes Habakkuk 2:4 to emphasize that righteousness comes by faith, not by works, highlighting the continuity of this principle from the Old to the New Testament.

Galatians 3:11
Paul again references this verse to argue that the law cannot justify, but faith in Christ does.

Hebrews 10:38
The writer of Hebrews uses this verse to encourage perseverance in faith amidst trials, reinforcing the idea that faith is essential for the righteous.

Proverbs 16:18
This verse about pride leading to destruction connects with the warning against the proud in Habakkuk 2:4.

James 4:6
James speaks of God opposing the proud but giving grace to the humble, aligning with the contrast between the proud and the righteous in Habakkuk.
FaithC. Kingsley.Habakkuk 2:4
Faith and the Higher LifeZ. Mather.Habakkuk 2:4
Faith CrownedW. Reading, M. A.Habakkuk 2:4
Faith, a Life-Giving PowerDean Vaughan, D. D.Habakkuk 2:4
HabakkukJames Randall, M. A.Habakkuk 2:4
Justifying FaithPlain Sermons by Contributors to "Tracts for the Times."Habakkuk 2:4
Life by FaithA. T. M'Gill, D. D.Habakkuk 2:4
Life by FaithDean Farrar.Habakkuk 2:4
Life is Due to FaithHabakkuk 2:4
Living by FaithSamuel Martin.Habakkuk 2:4
Nothing Better than Reliance on GodHabakkuk 2:4
The JustR. Horsfall.Habakkuk 2:4
The Just Shall Live by His FaithThomas Hammond.Habakkuk 2:4
The Life by FaithH. Constable, M. A.Habakkuk 2:4
The Life of FaithJ. Saurin.Habakkuk 2:4
The Life of FaithS.D. Hillman Habakkuk 2:4
The Life of Faith in the Midst of a Self Confident WorldHugh M'Neile, M. A.Habakkuk 2:4
The Portraiture of a Good ManHomilistHabakkuk 2:4
The Portraiture of a Good ManD. Thomas Habakkuk 2:4
The Use of Faith in a Time of General Declension in ReligionHabakkuk 2:4
People
Habakkuk
Places
Chaldea, Lebanon
Topics
Behold, Desires, Fail, Faith, Lifted, Pleasure, Presumptuous, Pride, Proud, Puffed, Righteous, Soul, Stedfastness, Upright, Within
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Habakkuk 2:4

     5362   justice, believers' lives
     5380   law, and gospel
     6678   justification, Christ's work
     7150   righteous, the
     8022   faith, basis of salvation
     8032   trust, lack of
     8157   righteousness, as faith
     8486   spiritual warfare, armour

Habakkuk 2:3-4

     8743   faithlessness, nature of

Habakkuk 2:4-5

     5786   ambition, negative
     5793   arrogance
     8805   pride, results

Library
September 15. "Though it Tarry, Wait for It, for it Will Surely Come, and Will not Tarry" (Hab. Ii. 3).
"Though it tarry, wait for it, for it will surely come, and will not tarry" (Hab. ii. 3). Some things have their cycle in an hour and some in a century; but His plans shall complete their cycle whether long or short. The tender annual which blossoms for a season and dies, and the Columbian aloe, which develops in a century, each is true to its normal principle. Many of us desire to pluck our fruit in June rather than wait until October, and so, of course, it is sour and immature; but God's purposes
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

The Crowned Christ Reigning
(Revelation, Chapters xx: 4-xxii.) "On this side of the river and on that was the tree of life, bearing twelve fruits." "A garden is a lovesome thing, God wot! Rose plot, Fringed pool, Ferned grot-- The veriest school Of peace; and yet the fool Contends that God is not-- Not God! in gardens! when the eve is cool? Nay, but I have a sign; 'Tis very sure God walks in mine." Day Is Coming. It's a long lane that has no turning. Every valley leads up a hillside to a hilltop. Every storm ends in sunshine
by S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks on the Crowned Christ of Revelation

Of Inward Silence
Of Inward Silence "The Lord is in His Holy Temple, let all the earth keep silence before him" (Hab. ii. 20). Inward silence is absolutely indispensable, because the Word is essential and eternal, and necessarily requires dispositions in the soul in some degree correspondent to His nature, as a capacity for the reception of Himself. Hearing is a sense formed to receive sounds, and is rather passive than active, admitting, but not communicating sensation; and if we would hear, we must lend the ear
Madame Guyon—A Short and Easy Method of Prayer

Of Rest in the Presence of God --Its Fruits --Inward Silence --God Commands it --Outward Silence.
The soul, being brought to this place, needs no other preparation than that of repose: for the presence of God during the day, which is the great result of prayer, or rather prayer itself, begins to be intuitive and almost continual. The soul is conscious of a deep inward happiness, and feels that God is in it more truly than it is in itself. It has only one thing to do in order to find God, which is to retire within itself. As soon as the eyes are closed, it finds itself in prayer. It is astonished
Jeanne Marie Bouvières—A Short Method Of Prayer And Spiritual Torrents

A Sermon on a Text not Found in the Bible.
MR. JUSTICE GROVES.--"Men go into the Public-house respectable, and come out felons." My text, as you see, my dear readers, is not taken from the Bible. It does not, however, contradict the Scriptures, but is in harmony with some, such as "WOE UNTO HIM THAT GIVETH HIS NEIGHBOUR DRINK." Habakkuk ii. 15; "WOE UNTO THEM THAT RISE UP EARLY IN THE MORNING, THAT THEY MAY FOLLOW STRONG DRINK."--Isaiah v. 11. "TAKE HEED TO YOURSELVES LEST AT ANY TIME YOUR HEARTS BE OVERCHARGED WITH SURFEITING AND
Thomas Champness—Broken Bread

The Season of Epiphany.
"This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth His glory; and His disciples believed on Him."--John ii. 11. The Epiphany is a season especially set apart for adoring the glory of Christ. The word may be taken to mean the manifestation of His glory, and leads us to the contemplation of Him as a King upon His throne in the midst of His court, with His servants around Him, and His guards in attendance. At Christmas we commemorate His grace; and in Lent His temptation;
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII

The Sum and Substance of all Theology
Note: On Tuesday, June 25th, 1861, the beloved C. H. Spurgeon visited Swansea. The day was wet, so the services could not be held in the open-air; and, as no building in the town was large enough to hold the vast concourses of people who had come from all parts to hear the renowned preacher, he consented to deliver two discourses in the morning; first at Bethesda, and then at Trinity Chapel. At each place he preached for an hour and a quarter. The weather cleared up during the day; so, in the evening,
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 62: 1916

Habakkuk-On his Watch-Tower
"Lord, teach us to pray."--Luke xi. i. "I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower."--Hab. ii. i. HABAKKUK'S tower was not built of stone and lime. Hiram's Tyrian workmen, with all their skill in hewn stone, and in timber, and in iron, and in brass, had no hand in building Habakkuk's tower. "The Name of the Lord" was Habakkuk's high tower. The truth and the faithfulness and the power of God--these things were the deep and broad foundations of Habakkuk's high tower, into which he continually
Alexander Whyte—Lord Teach Us To Pray

Meditations Before Dinner and Supper.
Meditate that hunger is like the sickness called a wolf; which, if thou dost not feed, will devour thee, and eat thee up; and that meat and drink are but as physic, or means which God hath ordained, to relieve and cure this natural infirmity and necessity of man. Use, therefore, to eat and to drink, rather to sustain and refresh the weakness of nature, than to satisfy the sensuality and delights of the flesh. Eat, therefore, to live, but live not to eat. There is no service so base, as for a man
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

"Hear the Word of the Lord, Ye Rulers of Sodom, Give Ear unto the Law of Our God, Ye People of Gomorrah,"
Isaiah i. 10, 11, &c.--"Hear the word of the Lord, ye rulers of Sodom, give ear unto the law of our God, ye people of Gomorrah," &c. It is strange to think what mercy is mixed with the most wrath like strokes and threatenings. There is no prophet whose office and commission is only for judgment, nay, to speak the truth, it is mercy that premises threatenings. The entering of the law, both in the commands and curses, is to make sin abound, that grace may superabound, so that both rods and threatenings
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Letter vi (Circa A. D. 1127) to the Same
To the Same He protests against the reputation for holiness which is attributed to him, and promises to communicate the treatises which he has written. I. Even if I should give myself to you entirely that would be too little a thing still in my eyes, to have recompensed towards you even the half of the kindly feeling which you express towards my humility. I congratulate myself, indeed, on the honour which you have done me; but my joy, I confess, is tempered by the thought that it is not anything
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

Faith
What does God require of us, that we may escape his wrath and curse due to us for our sin? Faith in Jesus Christ, repentance unto life, with the diligent use of all the outward means, whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of redemption. I begin with the first, faith in Jesus Christ. Whom God has set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood.' Rom 3: 25. The great privilege in the text is, to have Christ for a propitiation; which is not only to free us from God's wrath, but to
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

How to be Admonished are those who Give Away what is their Own, and those who Seize what Belongs to Others.
(Admonition 21.) Differently to be admonished are those who already give compassionately of their own, and those who still would fain seize even what belongs to others. For those who already give compassionately of their own are to be admonished not to lift themselves up in swelling thought above those to whom they impart earthly things; not to esteem themselves better than others because they see others to be supported by them. For the Lord of an earthly household, in distributing the ranks and
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

Humility is the Root of Charity, and Meekness the Fruit of Both. ...
Humility is the root of charity, and meekness the fruit of both. There is no solid and pure ground of love to others, except the rubbish of self-love be first cast out of the soul; and when that superfluity of naughtiness is cast out, then charity hath a solid and deep foundation: "The end of the command is charity out of a pure heart," 1 Tim. i. 5. It is only such a purified heart, cleansed from that poison and contagion of pride and self-estimation, that can send out such a sweet and wholesome
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Question of the Contemplative Life
I. Is the Contemplative Life wholly confined to the Intellect, or does the Will enter into it? S. Thomas, On the Beatific Vision, I., xii. 7 ad 3m II. Do the Moral Virtues pertain to the Contemplative Life? S. Augustine, Of the City of God, xix. 19 III. Does the Contemplative Life comprise many Acts? S. Augustine, Of the Perfection of Human Righteousness, viii. 18 " Ep., cxxx. ad probam IV. Does the Contemplative Life consist solely in the Contemplation of God, or in the Consideration
St. Thomas Aquinas—On Prayer and The Contemplative Life

The Second Commandment
Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am o jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of then that hate me; and shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments.' Exod 20: 4-6. I. Thou shalt not
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

The Right Understanding of the Law
Thou shalt have no other Gods before me.' Exod 20: 3. Before I come to the commandments, I shall answer questions, and lay down rules respecting the moral law. What is the difference between the moral laud and the gospel? (1) The law requires that we worship God as our Creator; the gospel, that we worship him in and through Christ. God in Christ is propitious; out of him we may see God's power, justice, and holiness: in him we see his mercy displayed. (2) The moral law requires obedience, but gives
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

Habakkuk
The precise interpretation of the book of Habakkuk presents unusual difficulties; but, brief and difficult as it is, it is clear that Habakkuk was a great prophet, of earnest, candid soul, and he has left us one of the noblest and most penetrating words in the history of religion, ii. 4b. The prophecy may be placed about the year 600 B.C. The Assyrian empire had fallen, and by the battle of Carchemish in 605 B.C., Babylonian supremacy was practically established over Western Asia. Josiah's reformation,
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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