“I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound…”
Paul turns to how he coped with the extremities of his life. He knew how to be “abased” and he knew how to “abound.” He was prepared for any circumstance that may come his way.
“I know how to be abased”
There are two “I know” phrases. Paul learned how to live in extremities. He adjusted to either with equal composure. This composure came through knowledge — “know.” He knew God’s mind on how to handle adversity. He knew how to cope with set back.The word “abased” means to run low as a falling river in a draught. Paul knew what it was like to be without food or clothing. He knew what it was like to go bankrupt. He knew plenty of adversity. This is abasement caused by want. He understood what it was like to be financially disgraced.
“Abased” is in the present tense which means he knew what it was like to be in a state of degradation.
“and I know how to abound”
The word “abound” means “overflow.” At times it conveyed the idea of extreme wealth or abundance. It means to be highly successful. It requires as much spiritual maturity to handle abundance as it does poverty. It takes a steady hand to carry a full cup. When we are rich we do not need anything. We do not pray about very little.Paul learned maturity in prosperity. He knew what it was like to be extremely successful. Yet he handled it well. When others express their admiration about you, does your ego pick this up? When others recognize your accomplishments, can you put yourself in balance? Can you keep your mind focused on the Lord?
David was an example of a person who did not handle prosperity very well. At the zenith of his success he came crashing down to defeat. At the pinnacle of his military victories he fell into adultery (
II Sam. 11-13 ).
Principle:
Knowledge is a prerequisite to properly handle both adversity and prosperity.
Application:
Very few of us know how to “abound.” When we have a success, do we parade it? Do we laud a promotion to a person who has just lost his job?
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