Pride (Part 4 of 4) - Just Desserts

Surely He scorns the scornful, but gives grace to the humble. Proverbs 3:34

When pride comes, then comes shame; but with the humble is wisdom. Proverbs 11:2

By pride comes nothing but strife, but with the well-advised is wisdom. Proverbs 13:10

The Lord will destroy the house of the proud, but He will establish the boundary of the widow. Proverbs 15:25

He who is of a proud heart stirs up strife, but he who trusts in the Lord will be prospered. Proverbs 28:25

A man’s pride will bring him low, but the humble in spirit will retain honor. Proverbs 29:23

Let’s make two lists. Let’s compare pride versus humility Biblically. This is a tool for making a good decision.

Results of Pride:

Scorn

Shame

Being brought low

Strife

Destruction of my house

Results of Humility:

Grace

Wisdom

Honor

Prosperity

Protection for the widow

The first list looks like a Greek tragedy, but this is not the result of capriciousness on God’s part. This is the simple formula of reaping what you sow. If you practice scorning others, you should not expect grace when you fall. If you are headstrong you are not likely to learn from others or even your own mistakes. Therefore, wisdom will remain far from you. Since you have been trying to push your way into the seats of honor, you shouldn’t be surprised when the time comes that someone better displaces you. You will not have been in a place at the foot of the table, where Jesus says you would have been noticed and lifted up. The wakes of strife in your path will eventually make enough enemies to lose your house. God’s face will not be shining on you. Even the widow will look at you and shake her head. She trusted in God, who was her strong tower. If you are numbered with the proud, you are trusting in a weaker god – yourself.