‘But he gives more grace. Which is why the scripture says, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble”.'
‘He gives more grace.' The One Who jealously yearns over their spirits, offers them more than the world can ever do. If they humble themselves He promises that He will cause His grace, His undeserved love and favour, to overflow towards them. For while those who remain proud (having a sense of arrogant superiority over others) and continue to hold to the world will be resisted, He will give His undeserved favour to the humble in overflowing measure, as the Scripture has promised (see Proverbs 3:34 LXX; compare Psalms 138:6; 1 Peter 5:5). ‘More grace' may indicate grace over and above His grace active in their initial conversion, or it may simply be saying that ‘He gives more and more grace as it is needed'.
The need for humility is regularly stressed in the Old Testament, especially when His people have sinned against Him. God dwells in the high and holy place, but it is with him who is of a humble and a contrite spirit (Isaiah 57:15). Compare 2 Kings 22:19; 2 Chronicles 7:14; 2Ch 12:7; 2 Chronicles 34:27; Daniel 5:22. The word used here indicates those who are humbled and trodden down by others who think that they are superior.