𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐝𝐨𝐭𝐞 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐞

“𝐋𝐞𝐭 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐛𝐞 𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧, 𝐨𝐫 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐧.”

Created on Canva by the Author

PRIDE shows in two ways. One way is good — when parents view the development of their children as remarkable. The other way is very bad, it makes you think you don’t need God anymore, and all you need is your job. Proverbs 16:18 warns us of the result of the bad way of pride, “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.”

Throughout Proverbs, we are warned that the sin of Pride is dangerous. It leads to wickedness, Proverbs 21:4 declares, “An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.” Humiliation is what pride does, Proverbs 18:12 says, “Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.”

Our text, Proverbs 16:18, is a significant warning in a world grappling with uncontrolled pride. It paints a vivid picture that pride is a forerunner to destruction, and a proud spirit is headed to fall. If we have built something without God, then it’s not built to last. It serves as a reminder that success without humility is void.

PRIDE is more than an inordinate love for oneself; it is an elevation of self above others, and ultimately, above God. It is the concept that we, rather than the Creator, shape our fate. Proud people think they are better than others and seldom realize that pride is their problem, although others around them know it well.

Its deceptive nature was illustrated through the fall of Lucifer in Isaiah 14:12–15. His desire to exalt himself above God led to his disastrous downfall. Similarly, when we allow pride to distort our self-perception, we risk spiritual destruction.

The Bible is packed with examples of pride destroying relationships. From the sibling rivalry of Cain and Abel (Genesis 4) to the arrogant fall of Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 4:28–33). Since pride is a sin, it separates us from God, Isaiah 59:2 says, “But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.”

God resists the proud; His favor leans toward humble hearts rather than those puffed with pride. James 4:6 says, “But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” Humility is the key to unlocking God’s grace.

Jesus said in Matthew 23:12, “And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.” Here, He highlights the danger of pride: humiliation is guaranteed to whoever is proud of himself, while humility leads to exaltation.

God often uses brokenness to dismantle the scaffolding of pride. The story of Peter’s denial and restoration (Luke 22:54–62, John 21:15–19) reveals the power of humility. The scriptures all share a common thread: humility is the antidote to pride. Yet, this humility is not just a humble virtue; it involves a recognition of our dependence on God.

1 Peter 5:6–7 says, “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” The greatest manifestation of this wisdom is found in Jesus Christ. He, the perfect example of humility, came down from heaven to serve and save. (Philippians 2:3–8)

Brethren, as we struggle with the treacherous nature of pride, there’s hope. The Gospel provides a remedy. Galatians 2:20 declares the essence of overcoming pride: “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me.”

Through Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, every believer’s pride should be crucified and buried, and humility should flourish in every believer. May we keep ourselves from the foolishness of pride.

Always Begin With God…