Pride Before Destruction… “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” Proverbs 16:18
Pride is an entrée to destructive behavior. It facilitates foolish actions and is disparaging to relationships. Pride is not afraid to offend anyone and appeases no one. Its demanding spirit may get short-term results under duress, but in the long-term people loathe its indulgent attitude. Indeed do not fear pride in others, but only fear it in yourself.
False humility is a subtle form of pride. “Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you for the prize. Such a person goes into great detail about what he has seen, and his unspiritual mind puffs him up with idle notions” (Colossians 2:18). These are people who use spiritual talk to try to impress others with religious information. False humility softly speaks about its superior spiritual knowledge.
However, heaven is not idle in its attitude toward pride. It is pride that hurled Lucifer out of the presence of the Lord and into hell (Isaiah 14:11-13). God runs out of patience with the proud of heart; set in their ways. He brings down the stubborn and insubordinate. Because pride forgets God and marginalizes faith, He removes the self-absorbed. “Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor” (Proverbs 18:12).
Therefore, humble yourself before God and man. Engage often in extending and receiving forgiveness. Give Christ the credit for your accomplishments and take responsibility for your failures. Humility honestly asks, “Do I care more about others, than indulging myself? “Do I use my influence to further the success of others, or only to advance my agenda?” “Am I a generous giver, or a greedy getter?” Replace haughtiness with humility and the Lord will lift you up. “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted” (Luke 14:11).
Related Readings: Leviticus 26:19; 2 Chronicles 26:16; Daniel 5:20; Luke 1:51
Transformational Living
What did I learn from the Lord in today’s Bible reading?
How will I respond?
