Pride – Proverbs 13:10

Through insolence comes nothing but strife, but wisdom is with those who receive counsel.

Pride is a destructive indulgence. When we allow it to occupy our hearts, we give it the power to destroy us, ruin our relationships, rob our sleep, and haunt our days.

We have all known people, possibly we ourselves, who have suffered the painful isolation a prideful response can bring. Mothers separated from sons and daughters, sisters and brothers cut off from each other, friendships ripped apart.  One, having perceived some insult or neglect from the other, demands an apology. The other refuses, so the gavel of injustice drops, both declare the other wrong, and they become as dead to one another.  Arrogance and conceit come to stand beside pride to flatter the offended[1] into believing the other must bow in contrition at the altar of vanity. Thus ensures a feud that may last years, sometimes to the grave and other times until the feuding pair meet accidentally or one finally calls the other, and having long forgotten the cause of the argument, they reconcile. A happy result after each has paid a heavy price for allowing pride to rupture their relationship and introduce chronic alienation into what love should have bound together.  The irony is that five seconds of humility and good will can evaporate years of animosity.

Pride lifts its hideous head and roams about, looking for whom it may devour, but we can avoid its clutches, for our Father has put a new spirit within us. He has given us eyes to see and ears to hear, so we can comprehend the wisdom of being at peace with others as far as it is within our power to do so.[2] Through the leading of the Holy Spirit, we can take on the humility of Christ and obey the Father’s statutes to love others with a gentle and quiet spirit.[3] We can see[4] the stark contrast between the agony and brokenness pride brings and the sweet peace, joy, and honor that belong to a humble soul.[5]

If pride has separated you from one you should call friend, lay down your pride. Seek reconciliation, and when pride again tempts you to travel its lonely path, reach into your soul for the humility and good will the Lord has planted there. Refuse to allow this despot to reign over you. Rather walk in a covenant of peace with the Lord and your fellow travelers.  Exercise an attitude of meekness, and you, having taken on the character of Christ, will not suffer the brokenness pride brings.[6]

[1] Psalm 36:1-2

[2] Romans 12:18

[3] Philippians 2:8, Ezekiel 36:27

[4] John 9:25

[5] Proverbs 29:23

[6] Philippians 2:3-7