Exercising Attitudes

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

In the KJV the word “when” is in italics.  That means the actual word is not in the Hebrew.  So my question would be, “Is this the ‘when’ that implies certainty or the ‘when’ that really means ‘if’?”  What difference does it make?  I guess I am wondering if “pride” (2088) is definitely going to hit us or just a possibility.  

I am guessing that we are dealing with possibilities.  We do not need to be proud.  By the same token there is no guarantee that we will act with humility.  It depends on how we insist on viewing ourselves and our attitudes towards other people.  As Christians we are called to have the attitude of a servant.  I don’t like that.  I don’t have an ounce of the spiritual gifts of mercy or service.  I can go through the motions but am drained in the process.

So?  Maybe we need more situations that force us into actions of humility.  Maybe we need to be embarrassed more often.  Attitudes, like muscles, respond to exercise.