“When pride comes, then comes disgrace.” Proverbs 11:2

C.S. Lewis said, “A proud man is always looking down on things and people; and, of course, as long as you are looking down, you cannot see something that is above you .” Andrew Murray said, “Pride must die in you, or nothing of heaven can live in you.”

Bible has much to talk about the dangers of pride. The first sin originated in the universe was nothing other than pride.

The Bible speaks about this in Ezekiel 28 and Isaiah 14:12-18. The pride of Lucifer who was the signet of perfection. He was full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. Every precious stone covered him, the sardius, topaz, and diamond, beryl, onyx, jasper, sapphire, emerald, carbuncle and crafted in gold. He was the anointed guardian cherub. He was in the holy mountain of God. As a worship leader, he was all musical instruments in himself. However, his heart became proud because of his beauty, wisdom, and splendor. Due to pride in his heart, he said he would ascend to heaven and set his throne on high and would make himself like the Most High God. God punished him and brought down to Sheol, to the far reaches of the pit. The dangerous pride entered into the heart of Lucifer. It caused him much. God threw him down, and he became the devil, and a group of his loyal angels followed him, and they became the demons. Here is the beginning of the devil and demons, the Bible reveals. As the Vietnamese (on pride) saying, “The higher you climb, the heavier you fall” was true of him.  

Then the devil was in the garden of Eden pumping pride into our first parent’s hearts. He said they could become like God. As he injected pride into their hearts, the first parents and their posterity fell in sin.

He still pumps pride into people’s hearts and leads them to destruction, doesn’t he?

As I alluded before, the Bible has much to talk about pride. Listen to some of the warnings of this grievous sin that God hates.

“ Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18).

“One’s pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor.” (Proverbs 29:23).

“I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior, and perverse speech.” (Proverbs 8:13)

“God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6)

“The LORD detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.” (Proverbs 16:5)

“Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and clever in their own sight.” (Isaiah 5:21)

“Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.” (Proverbs 26:12).

Beloved, the Bible uses strong languages against pride. Why? It elevates self and dishonors God. God hates it. Do you know God becomes an enemy of a prideful person, because the Bible says God opposes the proud and arrogant people? (James 4:6). God looks for humility and humbleness to provide His wonderful grace, mercy, and blessings lavishly. 1 Peter 5 instructs to clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, just because God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Then it says Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, cast all your cares on Him, because He cares for you. God stands opposed to pride-filled talk and actions. However, if one humble ourselves and long for His grace and mercy, He lavishes these and exalts because he cares for the humble.

In today’s culture around us, we daily witness pride and arrogance. Prideful talk, prideful look, prideful talk, prideful lifestyles. Devil injects pride in people because he wants to get as many people in his group and drive them to eternal hell which God had already prepared for Him. He knew his future is in hell and he wants to get as many people with him on the way.

Beloved, pride comes at a high cost. Pride prevent a man to acknowledge God, admit their sins and wrongdoings, and thus becomes impossible to receive the love, mercy, grace, and forgiveness of God. Pride destroys families, friendships, business, and businesses on an everyday basis. Beloved, choose humility and grace instead of pride. God offers forgiveness, mercy, and love in and through His Son, Jesus Christ, who died, buried, and risen again for all of our sins. Shake off the pride and choose God’s grace and mercy in humility. Jesus said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.”

Got a moment for today’s prayer? “Father in heaven, thank you for talking to me today. Please forgive my pride and arrogance that prevented God’s mercy, grace, forgiveness, love, and blessings. I humble myself and honor you, God. I accept Jesus Christ, the Son of God, as my savior and Lord. I believe He died, buried, and risen again for my sins. Please save me today and make me a new creation in Christ. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.”