Scripture (KJV) – Proverbs 16:18
“Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.”
Reflection
Pride is one of the easiest sins to recognize in someone else and one of the hardest to recognize in ourselves. It does not always appear as boasting or arrogance. Sometimes pride quietly shows itself when we refuse correction, will not admit we are wrong, hold ourselves above others, or believe we can handle life without depending upon God.
Scripture gives us a serious warning: “Pride goeth before destruction.”
Pride tells us that we do not need advice. Pride says we do not need to apologize. Pride convinces us that our way must be right and everyone else must be wrong. Eventually, pride can even cause us to resist God when His Word confronts something in our lives.
That is a dangerous place to be.
Think about how different Jesus Christ was. The Son of God had every right to receive glory, yet He humbled Himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. If our Savior demonstrated humility, how much more should humility characterize those who follow Him?
This Scripture calls for personal conviction. When was the last time you sincerely admitted that you were wrong? Can someone correct you without immediately making you angry or defensive? Do you secretly look down upon people because of their failures, possessions, education, appearance, or position in life?
Pride can also affect our relationship with God. Sometimes we pray only after we have exhausted every other possibility. We try to solve everything ourselves and turn to God when nothing else works. Humility recognizes that we need Him every day, not simply when trouble comes.
The opposite of pride is not thinking that we have no value. Biblical humility means recognizing who we are before a holy God and understanding that everything good in our lives ultimately comes from Him.
If God reveals pride within your heart today, do not defend it. Confess it.
It is far better to humble ourselves willingly before God than to have pride bring us to a fall.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, search my heart and reveal any pride that I may not recognize in myself. Forgive me for the times I have refused correction, looked down upon others, insisted upon having my own way, or tried to live without depending upon You. Give me a humble and teachable spirit. Help me admit when I am wrong, ask forgiveness when I have hurt someone, and remember that every blessing in my life comes from Your hand. May the humility of Jesus Christ be seen in the way I speak, serve, love, and treat others. Keep me close to You and protect my heart from the destruction that pride can bring. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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