The Haughty Heart

(Proverbs 18:12 KJV)  Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.

When I read this I think in terms of eternal “destruction” (7667).  That is the only kind that is permanent. 

The unrepentant have a “heart” (3820) and mind that is “haughty” (1361b).  In my speculation about judgement day I sometimes imagine that sinners are free to walk through the door to life but their attitude makes it impossible.  I can construct several scenarios but they all play on the pride and arrogance that is a built in quality of the sinner’s heart. 

I know it seems impossible to imagine someone refusing life but two factors make me grasp it.  One is the holiness of God.  If you are a sinner, being in the presence of pure righteousness would be very painful.  I would imagine that even the fires of hell look good in comparison.  The second is that people remain sinners out of pride and arrogance, not ignorance.  Think about all the people you know who can explain the steps of salvation but refuse to travel that road.

So?  Start with yourself.  Are you haughty or humble?  Make a decision.  Live with your decision, for eternity.