The Seventh Deadly Sin

(Proverbs 11:2 KJV)  When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.

“Pride” (2087) is one of what are called the Seven Deadly Sins.  The early church recognized the problem with pride and thus labeled it as being a cause of much destruction.  Here the consequence is “dishonor” (7036) which seems to be the opposite of what is desired.

How often do we take actions with a goal in mind and end up getting the opposite response?  Have you ever been joking and someone took you seriously?  I have this problem but the problem is not what I think it is.  When I examine my motives I often find that it wasn’t just being funny but masking something else in my attitude.  Have you ever tried to help and had your motives questioned?

The same issues come up with pride.  It is always a good thing to look carefully and honestly into our own hearts and see what our motivations are.

So?  Watch people as they respond.  If they don’t respond the way you expect, seriously ask yourself if the Holy Spirit is speaking through them.  Use it as an opportunity to listen.