Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. Proverbs 11:2 (NLT)
June is the month when people speak of pride as though it were a good thing. The Bible paints a different picture concerning pride. Pride may actually be the deadliest of the seven deadly sins.
An attitude of pride was associated with the fall of Satan (Ezekiel 28:14–15; Isaiah 14:12–15). King Solomon in Proverbs repeatedly addresses the dangers of pride. Pride comes before disaster, and arrogance before a fall. Proverbs 16:18 (CEB)
In Hebrew, the concept of pride is most often expressed in words used to denote height. When someone exalts themselves, they attempt to put themselves in a high place, but they are vulnerable to falling. Jesus said, “All who lift themselves up will be brought low.” Luke 18:14 (CEB)
It is important to understand the consequences of pride. What roles do shame and insecurity play in pride? How are we vulnerable to pride?
What Comes First?
Sodom’s sins were pride, gluttony, and laziness, while the poor and needy suffered outside her door. She was proud and committed detestable sins, so I wiped her out, as you have seen. Ezekiel 16:49–50 (NLT)
If we ask, “Why did God destroy Sodom and Gomorrah?” The most likely answer would be because of sexual immorality. However, Ezekiel lists pride, gluttony, and laziness first among Sodom’s sins.
A question to ponder might be, “What came first?” Did pride result as a deflection or cover-up for sexual immorality, or did a prideful spirit open up the door for sin? Paul illustrates that God’s law is written in our hearts (Romans 2:14-16). When Adam and Eve sinned against God they attempted to hide and cover themselves from God. It was a reaction of fear.
Pride is a way of flaunting sin in front of God. It is an effort to elevate oneself into an exalted position, and when that happens, the fear of God is removed, opening the way for many forms of evil.
Living humbly before God is the surest way to guard against falling into this trap of sin. We need to take the initiative. Micah gives us the roadmap: No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8 (NLT).
Living humbly before God is the best antidote to pride. We must guard our hearts carefully because sin is deceitful. Satan disguises himself as an “angel of light.” Pride can be subtle and dangerous. A humble person does not rely on their own understanding, or resources to overcome in this life.
Avoid the Trap
You may think you can condemn such people, but you are just as bad, and you have no excuse! When you say they are wicked and should be punished, you are condemning yourself, for you who judge others do these very same things. Romans 2:1 (NLT)
When we read Romans 1:18-27, do we find ourselves saying amen, cheering for the judgment of God against sin? Does the flaunting, and displays of pride evoke a sense of pride in us?
The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: ‘I thank you, God, that I am not like other people—cheaters, sinners, adulterers. I’m certainly not like that tax collector! Luke 18:11 (NLT)
The irony of being proud of not being like other prideful people. Comparison is a trap. Displays of pride should not make us proud that we are not like “those obvious sinners,” but instead remind us, “there but for the grace of God go I.”
May the tax collector, rather than the Pharisee, be our role model. “But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.’ Luke 18:13 (NLT)
Shame is often viewed negatively, but shame and humility function as guardrails. Paul said: They have no sense of shame. They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity. Ephesians 4:19 (NLT). Even at the end of his life, Paul declared, “I am the chief of all sinners.” We must avoid the trap of thinking too highly of ourselves.
Stay Humble, My Friends
And he gives grace generously. As the Scriptures say, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:6–7 (NLT)
The admonition from James instructs us to humble ourselves before God. If we do not humble ourselves, eventually we will be humbled. One day, every knee will bow before God.
The only way for us to receive grace is to humble ourselves. If not, God will oppose us. James instructs us to resist the devil. Resistance is not futile, because when we resist, God’s grace in our lives will cause the devil to flee.
The path we choose will determine our outcome. Pride ends in humiliation, while humility brings honor. Proverbs 29:23 (NLT). It helps to have good role models in our lives:
Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example. For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. Philippians 3:17–18 (NLT)
It is heartbreaking to see people flaunt the laws of God, believing that there are no consequences. Sadly, many have deluded themselves to the point where they think that wrong is right, but in reality, they are enemies of the cross of Christ.
Finally, let us guard our own hearts, always being careful to live our lives humbly before God. All who fear the Lord will hate evil. Therefore, I hate pride and arrogance, corruption and perverse speech. Proverbs 8:13 (NLT).
Steve Ekeroth