21st September, 2025
A Fountain Publication
The Lodestar
Online Magazine for the Thinking Christian
Devotional
The Curse of Pride
"Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall" (Prov 16:18).
By Paulson Pulikottil
Christian believers must cultivate humility and dependence on God, not being proud and arrogant. Pride is the root of many sins and evils, and it can lead to ruin and destruction in both this life and the next. Humility, on the other hand, is the mark of true wisdom and godliness, and it can lead to blessing and honour from God.
Pride is exalting oneself above God and others and trusting in one's strength, wisdom, and righteousness. Pride makes us think we are better than we are and do not need God or His grace. Pride also makes us look down on others and despise or ignore their needs and feelings. Pride can manifest itself in various ways, such as self-righteousness, rebellion, envy, jealousy, anger, resentment, greed, selfishness, and contempt.
The Lord abhors "haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood" (Prov 6:17). The Book of James points out that "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble" (James 4:6).
Pride closes our eyes to our faults, weaknesses, and the truth of God's word and will.
On the contrary, humility recognises one's unworthiness and dependence on God and His mercy. Humility makes us realise that we are nothing without God and that everything we have is his gift. Humility also makes us respect and value others and serve them with love and kindness. Humility manifests in several ways: gratitude, obedience, submission, repentance, forgiveness, generosity, and compassion.
Since humility is pleasing to God, James advised, "humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you" (James 4:10).
We should not be proud of ourselves, our achievements, our possessions, our talents, our knowledge, or our status, but we should give all glory and praise to God, who is the source of all good things. We should not be haughty or arrogant towards others but humble ourselves and serve them as Christ did. We should not rely on our understanding or abilities but trust in God and seek His guidance and help.
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