What is Pride? 

According to the dictionary, pride is described as…

• “a feeling of deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one’s own achievements, the achievements of those with whom one is closely associated, or from qualities or possessions that are widely admired.”
• “consciousness of one’s own dignity.”

Our foundational scripture for today is Proverbs 16:18.  

18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

Proverbs 16:18 KJV

Here’s the truth.  Pride stops us from doing what God wants us to do.  

Pride Defined

The PROUD weigh their actions and decisions by how others will view them.  They’re concerned whether consciously or unconsciously about the opinions of others.  They want to look, sound and act “appropriately” to obtain approval from whomever they perceive to be most important. 

Think about this simple example.  You are on the job and you say something that’s incorrect.  It’s not a big deal, but the information you spoke about was not exactly accurate.  Your coworker makes it a point to correct you right in front of the boss.  At that moment, you get mad.  Why?

He hurt your pride.  You were made to look foolish in front of the boss and you got irritated. That’s pride.

Pride always has a root in selfishness.  The only way you can be proud is to consider yourself and compare yourself to others.

Pride ISN’T…

Pride isn’t having a good self image.  Saying things like, “I’m good at guitar.” or “I’m a good speaker.” isn’t pride.  

Being self deprecating isn’t humility and boasting isn’t pride.  It’s foolishness but not pride. 

Pride’s Result

Pride is a killer.  Here are a few results that come from pride.

• It keeps you from changing.
  • You close yourself off from counsel because you’re afraid to look stupid or how people will judge you.
• It causes you to judge.
  • If you’re so focused on how others view you, you’ll start to view others through that same lens. “Why are they doing THAT!? Don’t they know…?”

Wrapping Up

Ok so we’ve seen the basics of what pride IS and ISN’T.  Let’s look at three specific points to recap. 

1. The PROUD weigh their actions by how others will view them.  Humility is simply doing the opposite by not focusing on other people’s opinions.
2. PRIDE only exists where there is comparison.  The haughty spirit arises when comparing yourself to another man or woman.
3. JUDGEMENT closely follows pride and always leads to an increase in whatever you’ve judged someone else for.  Your own life will increase in whatever you’ve judged another person for.
   1. Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. (Galatians 6:1 KJV)

If you’ve enjoyed this post, check out Step 3: Enter into Rest and Be Encouraged!