[pull_quote_center]Proverbs 16:18 NKJV “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”[/pull_quote_center]
Pride refers to an inflated sense of one’s personal status or accomplishments. Pride is also defined as a high or inordinate opinion of one’s own dignity, importance, merit, or superiority, whether as cherished in the mind or as displayed in bearing, conduct, etc.
Pride is about the oldest sin; it was committed by Satan, and that’s what led to his fall. Everyone who is proud is bound to fall and be disgraced: Proverbs 11:2 says that, “When pride comes, then comes shame.”
There’s a story in the Bible that we can learn from. It’s about Amaziah in 2 Kings 14. He became king at 25, and the Bible says that as soon as the kingdom was established in his hand, he executed his servants who had murdered his father the king.
He also killed ten thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt, and took Sela by war, and called its name Joktheel. Those “achievements” got into his head so to say, and he began to feel on top of the world and that he could fight anyone.
He sent messengers to Jehoash king of Israel, saying, ‘Come, let us face one another in battle.’ Jehoash warned him, “You have indeed defeated Edom, and your heart has lifted you up. Glory in that, and stay at home; for why should you meddle with trouble so that you fall—you and Judah with you?” But Amaziah did not heed. So they fought at Beth Shemesh, which belongs to Judah. And Judah was defeated by Israel. Amaziah was also captured; the wall of Jerusalem was destroyed, and the Temple was looted. Because of pride.
God Himself resists and opposes a proud man; that’s what makes it very dangerous. There’s nothing we have that did not come from Him; neither are we whatever we are today without His help. We must therefore be humble. There’s more we can get; there’s more we can achieve; and there are greater heights we can attain: humility is what will bring the grace to get them all. Be humble.
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