Proverbs 16:18–19: Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.
Insight
Here again is a thrust made against that which God hates—pride. Pride is number one on God’s “hate parade” (Prov. 6:16–19). This is the thing that brought down the archangel whom we know as Satan today. He was Lucifer—son of the morning—probably the highest creature God created until sin was found in him. What was that sin? It was pride: he attempted to lift himself above God, because he was such a great creature whom God had created and given the power of free choice. Free choice is a very dangerous weapon which God has put in the hands of some of His creatures. But where there is free choice, there is also the possibility of pride and rebellion against God. There are so many in Scripture who illustrate this matter of pride. This is the thing that was the undoing of that man Haman in the Book of Esther. And Absalom—imagine him rebelling against his father, David! Goliath, the giant, boasted in his pride. And Ahab was filled with pride. 1
Application
In Matthew 26:34–35 Jesus said to Peter, “Assuredly, I say to you that this night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” Peter said to Him, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!” And so said all the disciples.
Has your personal ambition blinded you from your own pride? Ask a close friend.
Motivation
They hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Esther 7:10
Pride will eventually become the poison that kills you. – TWEET IT
Prayer
Father, purify my heart from the deceitfulness of pride.
1. Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). Be Skillful. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
