Dear Wanderer,

Today I am going to be talking about Pride.

 

Pride is a theme that frequently appears in the Bible, often portrayed as a vice that can lead to serious consequences. While today’s culture sees pride as a positive expression of self-worth, the Bible provides a contrasting perspective, urging humility and dependence on God.

 

What is Biblical Pride?

In the Bible, pride often refers to an inflated sense of self-importance that causes individuals to overlook God’s guidance and exalt themselves above others. This kind of pride leads to spiritual blindness and separation from God.

 

“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” [ Proverbs 16:18 NIV]

 

Pride in the Bible

The Bible provides several examples of individuals who fell because of pride:

 

  • Lucifer (Satan): One of the most famous examples, Satan’s fall from heaven is often attributed to pride. Isaiah 14:12-15 describes how Lucifer’s desire to elevate himself above God led to his expulsion from heaven.

12 “How you have fallen from heaven,
morning star, son of the dawn!
You have been cast down to the earth,
you who once laid low the nations!
13 You said in your heart,
‘I will ascend to the heavens;
I will raise my throne
above the stars of God;
I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly,
on the utmost heights of Mount Zaphon.
14 I will ascend above the tops of the clouds;
I will make myself like the Most High.’
15 But you are brought down to the realm of the dead,
to the depths of the pit.”  [Isaiah 14:12-15 NIV]

 

  • King Nebuchadnezzar: In the book of Daniel, Nebuchadnezzar’s pride leads him to believe he built Babylon by his own power. As a result, God humbles him by taking away his sanity until he acknowledges God’s sovereignty (Daniel 4:30-37).

30 He said, “Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?”
31 Even as the words were on his lips, a voice came from heaven, “This is what is decreed for you, King Nebuchadnezzar: Your royal authority has been taken from you.
32 You will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals; you will eat grass like the ox. Seven times will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes.”
33 Immediately what had been said about Nebuchadnezzar was fulfilled. He was driven away from people and ate grass like the ox. His body was drenched with the dew of heaven until his hair grew like the feathers of an eagle and his nails like the claws of a bird.

34 At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever.

His dominion is an eternal dominion;
his kingdom endures from generation to generation.
35 All the peoples of the earth
are regarded as nothing.
He does as he pleases
with the powers of heaven
and the peoples of the earth.
No one can hold back his hand
or say to him: “What have you done?”

36 At the same time that my sanity was restored, my honor and splendor were returned to me for the glory of my kingdom. My advisers and nobles sought me out, and I was restored to my throne and became even greater than before.
37 Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble. [Daniel 4:30-37 NIV]

 

  • Pharisees: In the New Testament, the Pharisees are often depicted as proud and self-righteous, focused more on their own piety than on true obedience to God. Jesus frequently rebukes them for their hypocrisy and pride, as in Matthew 23:12. This verse is part of Jesus’ teachings on humility. He warns that those who seek to elevate themselves in pride will ultimately be brought low, while those who choose humility will be lifted up by God. It reinforces the biblical principle that humility is valued by God, and that self-promotion can lead to one’s downfall.

“For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” [Matthew 23:12 NIV]

 

The Consequences of Pride

The Bible repeatedly warns about the consequences of pride.

 

“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” [Proverbs 11:2 NIV]

 

Pride can lead to isolation from God and others, as it places oneself above all else, making true connection and compassion difficult. It often precedes a fall, as the proud tend to rely on themselves rather than seeking God’s guidance.

 

Humility as the Antidote to Pride

Humility is frequently praised in the Bible. Humility isn’t about thinking less of oneself, but rather thinking of oneself less. It’s about recognizing that we are all fallible and in need of God’s grace.

 

Verses like:

“But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.'” [James 4:6 NIV]

 

Jesus himself embodies humility:

6 “Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
7 rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8 And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross!” [Philippians 2:6-8 NIV]

 

He humbles Himself by taking on human form and sacrificing Himself on the cross. His life serves as the ultimate model of humility. He is above us, in all natures, yet, he was never prideful. He came to serve us, to teach us and to love us.

 

This is the example we should aim to follow.

 

How to Guard Against Pride in Our Own Lives

Practical steps to guard against pride include:

  1. Self-Reflection and Prayer: Regularly reflect on your actions and intentions, and ask God for guidance in areas where pride may be creeping in.
  2. Practicing Gratitude: Thank God daily for His blessings, reminding yourself that all good things come from Him.
  3. Serving Others: Putting others first can help keep pride in check, as it shifts the focus from self to serving God and His people.
  4. Seeking Wise Counsel: Surround yourself with individuals who encourage you to grow in humility and hold you accountable.

Conclusion

Pride is a silent type of evil. We can never notice it without the help of God because the nature of pride holds our mind’s hostage. Always trust that God will never lead you astray, when you find yourself being forced to become humble; allow yourself the courtesy of understanding.

 

The devil is sneaky; he can give you something to feed your pride, and take it away to make you hate God. Knowing this, understanding how it impacts you can help pull you out of a prideful mindset.

 

Remember, all you need is a mustard seed of faith.

 

⋅───⊱༺ ♰ ༻⊰───⋅

Bye bye, I love you and hope you have a wonderful day

Mother Marise <3