#131 PRIDE 9-14-26

Pride is dangerous because it rarely announces itself. It quietly grows in the heart until we begin to trust ourselves more than we trust God. We start thinking we know better, can handle things ourselves, or deserve more than we have received. But Proverbs 16:18 warns, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” Pride always overestimates itself and underestimates the danger ahead.

The PRIDE comes first, but the PERIL follows. Pride makes us careless. It can cause us to ignore correction, resist wisdom, refuse repentance, and forget how dependent we really are upon God. “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). That is a sobering thought. We do not want to position ourselves against the God who loves us.

But there is a PROMISE for the humble. “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up” (James 4:10). God does not humiliate the person who humbles himself before Him. He lifts him. He strengthens him. He restores him. He gives grace where pride once stood.

Jesus Himself is our perfect example. Though He was Lord of glory, He “humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death—even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:8). If the Son of God was willing to humble Himself, surely I can lay down my pride.

So today, let us examine our hearts. Where pride has taken root, let humility take its place. Where self-confidence has replaced dependence upon God, let faith return. Pride promises greatness but leads toward a fall. Humility may seem like a low road, but it is the road upon which God gives grace.

PRIDE brings PERIL, but humility brings the PROMISE of God’s grace.

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Lord, search my heart and show me where pride has taken root. Help me to humble myself before You, trust Your wisdom, receive Your correction, and follow the example of Jesus. Keep me from the fall that pride brings, and teach me to walk humbly with You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

BDD