PRIDE

Pride is a feeling which can lead to certain actions. It is a feeling of joy and fulfillment that you or individuals close to you have as a result of anything wonderful that you or they have done or obtained. It is also an unjustifiable sense of superiority in terms of one’s talents, attractiveness, fortune, rank, and so on; to have no need for God and to be completely self-sufficient; to look down on others, believing that one deserves or is entitled to certain things because of their hard work; insolence or arrogance of manner or contemptuous behavior or treatment.

From these definitions one can see that there are two types of pride: healthy pride and unhealthy pride. The healthy pride promotes self-confidence while unhealthy pride promotes arrogance.

We can also see from the definitions that the feeling of pride in an individual leads to actions of striving to bring out the best in oneself or the need to constantly prove to others that one is higher and unmatchable. A healthy pride signifies positivity, honour, dignity, and respect. An example is the pride you have about a nation, family, or the kind you have when you can push through something and excel. This kind of pride should be embraced.

This write-up focuses on unhealthy pride. This kind of pride is actually coming from a place of deep insecurity, unworthiness, and fear. It is fueled up from WEALTH, SOCIAL STATUS, ACHIEVEMENTS, SUCCESS, BEAUTY, INTELLIGENCE, …etc. Prideful people put up a facade of over confidence to hide their feelings of insecurity and thus immerse in ostentation or egotistical habits. Pride diverts our attention away from loving our neighbours towards competing and comparing ourselves. It is a poison to the soul. The very dangerous thing about pride is that it is a journey of self destruction because it is hated by God.

Proverbs 6:16–19

These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: a proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, an heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, a false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

Galatians 6:4

Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else.

2 Corinthians 10:12

Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding.

Isaiah 2:12

For the day of the Lord of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty, and upon every one that is lifted up; and he shall be brought low.

Jeremiah 9:23

This is what the LORD says: Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches.

Philippians 2:3

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.

Proverbs 16:5

Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.

Proverbs 16:18

Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.

Proverbs 8:13

The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate.

Psalm 10:4

In his pride the wicked man does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God.

The main advantage people gain from pride is gratification. Its disadvantage outweighs the advantage. Pride deprives people of great opportunities, as people usually do not want to associate with a proud person, hence business deals are lost. Pride breeds unrepentance, the proud person would not want to admit to being wrong and apologise. A proud person finds it difficult to utter these three words: SORRY, PLEASE AND THANK YOU. Some people suffer in silence because of pride. They feel too big to ask for the help that they are in dire need of. Pride creates a strain in establishing healthy relationships. The greatest barrier between two people will always be pride. Pride deprives people of progress and the worst of it, it destroys people.

Herod was killed because of his proud heart.

Acts 12:21–23

And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them. And the people gave a shout, saying, it is the voice of a god, and not of a man. And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms and gave up the ghost.

King Nebuchadnezzar was brought down to a low state, to living among wild animals because he was proud.

Daniel 4:30–32

Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty? 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. 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.

Pride can bring about sickness and diseases upon an individual. King Uzziah became leprous because his pride made him assume a position he was not meant to take (2 Chronicles 26:16–21).

2 Chronicles 26:16

But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall. He was unfaithful to the Lord his God and entered the temple of the Lord to burn incense on the altar of incense.

It abased Satan of is high rank in heaven.

Isaiah 14:12–15:

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! 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. I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.” But you are brought down to the realm of the dead, to the depths of the pit.

TO BE CONTINUED!!!

THE END

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Dan Moore Kris Gage Wake Up Call P.S. I Love You @writingsolo