Take Down a Peg or Two
Many of us have personal experience related to take down a peg or two.
My childhood friends and I knew the expression well. When we became too big for our britches, our parents put an end to our high and mighty behavior.
Their discipline took several forms:
- The look of disapproval
- Scolding
- Time out
- Loss of privileges
- Other methods of loving but stern correction
To take down a peg or two means to deflate our pride or ego.
When we think too much of ourselves, we need a good dose of humility. No one is better than anyone else.
If we mistreat others, we may eventually get a taste of our own medicine. Our time for shame will probably come.
Wanting to do well is okay but not at the expense of others.
Hurting anyone in order to succeed spoils true success. Getting ahead never justifies:
- Rudeness
- Injury
- A superior attitude
Take down a peg or two has a maritime connection.
According to The Free Dictionary, the expression “alludes to lowering a ship’s colors … by means of pegs. The higher the colors … the greater the honor.”
Refuse to become arrogant and self-centered.
Choose instead to straighten up and fly right. God, who is Love, calls us to love and help one another.
“Do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him.
For the Lord disciplines the one he loves” (Hebrews 12:5-6 NIV).
Thanks to Tracy Crump for sharing this expression following her maritime museum tour.
Do you have an expression you want explained or a thought about this one? If so, please comment below.
Subscribe to receive my weekly posts by email and receive a free copy of “Words of Hope for Days that Hurt.”
If you enjoyed this post, please share it with your friends.
6 thoughts on “Take Down a Peg or Two”
I so often think of Luke 14:11 when I start to think too much of myself. It’s fine to be proud of some accomplishment, it’s not fine to allow pride to become arrogance. Another favorite is from C.S. Lewis in Mere Christianity, who wrote, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.” It’s often not comfortable, but necessary when God takes us down a peg or two in ministry. Humility in service is a great guard (for me) against self-righteousness.
A great verse and a great quote to keep us humble and ready for true service in Jesus’ name, J.D. Blessings on your ministry.
Wonderful post as we are never called to do well or get ahead at the expense of others. Your post brought to mind: “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3, NASB).
Thank you, Joanne, especially for the verse we all need to remember and practice.
I’ve had some experience in being “taken down a peg or two.” God knows when I need it, often before I’ve realized. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you, Katherine. I can certainly identify with your experience. You are so right that God knows when we need to be taken down a peg or two, often before we realize it.