Proverbs 21:4: A haughty look, a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked are sin.
Insight
We cannot mistake God’s mind that is so clearly declared here. Yet this sin assumes so many different forms that until God’s Spirit reveals a man to himself, he does not think it applies to him. Indeed, he manages to be proud of his pride! The lamp of the wicked is full of sin! But how can an ordinary thing be sinful? The motive determines the action. If you do not have a godly purpose in your actions, you sin. Sin defiles every motive in the Christian’s heart. Once the man’s nature is cleansed, his deeds will be clean. 1
Application
The apostle Peter, in 1 Peter 5:5, explained how he learned through life’s trials to surrender his pride and receive the much needed humility from Jesus. “You younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”
Haughty eyes is another way of expressing arrogance. Is there a trace of arrogance in your relationship with others? A proud heart is at the core of the wickedness in this world. Do you blame others instead of taking personal responsibility for the wicked words that you have spoken in your home? If you refuse to repent, there will be no grace for you. Your battle is against the Lord, and not the one you’re related to.
Motivation
He went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. Luke 18:14
A proud person is always too proud to admit that pride is a problem. – TWEET IT
Prayer
Father, please do what it takes to cleanse me of my pride.
1. McGee, J. V. (1991). Thru the Bible commentary: Poetry (Proverbs) (electronic ed., Vol. 20). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
