The Ballestero Blog

+ = − , −  = +

Plus Equals Minus, Minus Equals Plus!

What kind of math is that? If Albert Einstein were to read that statement, I’m sure his brow would wrinkle in puzzlement. But, it’s true!

It’s not new math. It’s old math, it’s really old math. It was the Lord that first introduced it to man.

This Old Testament verse explains both concepts:

Proverbs 11:2 When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.

This New Testament passage also explains how it works.

Luke 14:8 When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room; lest a more honourable man than thou be bidden of him;

Luke 14:9 And he that bade thee and him come and say to thee, Give this man place; and thou begin with shame to take the lowest room.

Luke 14:10 But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee.

1. + = −  (Plus Equals Minus)

Proverbs 16:18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

Proverbs 13:10 Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.

Proverbs 29:23 A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.

2. − = + (Minus Equals Plus)

Matthew 5:3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 5:4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

Matthew 5:5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

It’s God’s Math. His Math principles never change.

Man’s Pride seems to be his biggest Minus.

Man’s Humility turns out to be his biggest Plus!