Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. – Proverbs 16:18
Pride is overinflated self-confidence or the attitude of a haughty spirit. | WATCH ON YOUTUBE
The Bible is full of examples of proud people, from Goliath and King Nebuchadnezzar to the rich fool and King Herod. God judged all of them for their pride. Lucifer the beautiful and powerful archangel is the ultimate example of pride. He was not satisfied with his God-given glorious position. He wanted the honour and worship that belonged to God. He rebelled against God. He lost his position and fell from heaven and took a third of the angels with him (Revelation 12:4). And so, Lucifer became Satan and has been corrupting the world ever since, with his pride.
Pride wrongly exalts self. At the root of all pride is the sense that we know better than everyone else, including God. Pride keeps us from a close relationship with God. The Lord will not tolerate anyone with a haughty look or an arrogant heart (Psalm 101:5). Pride in the heart is reflected in the face and attitudes, through our lifted brows, turned up noses or critical looks. Pride leads to idolatry.
Pride is a heart condition that we need to continually guard against by seeking humility (1 Peter 5:6). We are to continually examine ourselves in the light of the Scripture (2 Corinthians 13:5). Remembering God’s grace to us and how undeserving we are (Ephesians 2:8-9) gives a much-needed perspective. We are also to practice the art of considering others better than ourselves (Philippians 2:3) and seek to serve rather than to be served (Mark 10:44-45).
How would you say you are doing on pride?
Lord, keep me ever humble in your sight, I pray.
Extended Reading — Proverbs 16-18
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