Common and Dangerous

(Proverbs 16:18 KJV)  Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

“Pride” (1347b) is something that gets a lot of bad press but continues to thrive.  It is one of those character traits that we can see in others but don’t recognize in ourselves.  We aren’t proud, it is you that are lacking in appreciation.  The kind of pride that we are looking at here is along the lines of hubris and arrogance.  It isn’t that sturdy sense of self worth that helps us through rough times.  It is the assurance that we know what is best for not only ourselves, but the rest of the world too.

We tend to see it in politicians and celebrities.  We miss that it is just as common in the masses.  It is the attitude that feels entitlement.  We see it rioting in the streets in the current elections.  We see it demanding higher wages for less work.  We see it everywhere we look.  Pride does not know how to turn the other cheek or go the extra mile.  Pride ultimately does not know how to bend its knee to God.

So?  My job, and your job, is not to bring down the proud.  Our responsibility is to examine our own hearts and make sure that we are broken before the cross.