"When
pride cometh, then cometh shame:
but with
the lowly is wisdom."
Proverbs 11:2
"Only by
pride cometh contention:
but with
the well advised is wisdom."
Proverbs 13:10
The Futility of Pride
In the Book of
Proverbs, pride is used two ways:
In a good sense, and
in a bad sense.
In the good sense, it
is admirable and necessary.
It is associated with
self-respect and personal dignity.
However, we must
always avoid self-contempt.
("I am nobody" is not
a way to gain respect from others.)
"Praising God,
and having favor with all the people"
revealed to us in
Acts,
shows us that it is
alright to have respect from others.
This kind of pride is
acceptable to the Lord.
Now, let us take a
look at the bad sense of pride,
which is associated
with arrogance,
self-esteem,
self-importance, and such similar vices.
Webster's dictionary
defines it this way:
"The quality or state
of being proud:
as inordinate
self-esteem: conceit."
Let us keep pride as
God wants it.
The chin and head up ~
not our nose!
The pride of life is a
channel by which Satan tempts
us to sin.
(Read 1John 2:15-17)
Also in John 13 we
find the disciples would not
wash one another's
feet
because it would show
they were inferior and
forfeit their position
in the kingdom.
But Christ deflated
their egos and pride by
washing their
feet,
showing that He was
the greatest of all and serves all!!
We see many Christians
in the churches today
fighting for the top,
but very few reach for
towels!
There are many today
that pride destroys.
It kept Felix from
obeying the gospel (Acts 24:25).
It also cost Ananias
and Sapphira their lives.
Matthew 5:3 says,
"Blessed
are the poor in spirit:
for
theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
We must be willing to
assume the role of beggar
to enter the kingdom
of heaven.
Pride will cause us
not to admit wrong or have compassion
on our fellow brothers
and sisters.
It will cause us to
live beyond our means (Romans 13:8).
Pride leads to
rebellion (Psalm 10:4);
also apostasy
(1Timothy 3:6).
An old Chinese proverb
says,
"He who stands on a
pedestal has no place
but to step off!"
A very wise reminder
for all in a "proud" state of mind!
