How can believers guard against the pride described in Psalm 10:6? Where the Problem Begins “He says to himself, ‘I shall not be shaken; from age to age I am free of distress.’ ” (Psalm 10:6) The psalmist exposes a heart that trusts its own stability instead of God’s sovereignty. That same attitude can quietly slip into a believer’s life if left unchecked. Spotting Pride’s Footprints Today • Self-reliance that edges out prayer • Measuring worth by success, possessions, or applause • Inward certainty that “God clearly approves of all my choices” • Dismissing correction because “I’ve walked with the Lord long enough” • Subtle contempt for those who struggle with sins you do not Putting a Guard on the Gate • Stay amazed at grace. Remember Romans 5:8—Christ died “while we were still sinners.” Grace remains undeserved; gratitude keeps pride disarmed. • Practice honest self-examination (2 Corinthians 13:5). Regularly ask, “Where am I leaning on myself instead of the Lord?” • Welcome loving rebuke (Proverbs 27:6). Invite trusted believers to point out blind spots. • Keep short accounts with God (1 John 1:9). Confession reminds the soul of its constant need. • Serve when no one notices (Matthew 6:3-4). Hidden acts relocate attention from self to God. • Celebrate others’ victories (Romans 12:15). Rejoicing with them silences jealous comparison. Scripture Habits That Nurture Humility 1. Daily submission: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand” (1 Peter 5:6). Begin each day verbally yielding plans and outcomes to Him. 2. Active remembrance: Pray Psalm 139:23-24—“Search me…point out any offensive way.” Invite God’s spotlight before pride hardens. 3. Worship with wonder: Stand often in passages like Job 38–42 that magnify God’s greatness. Awe shrinks self-importance. 4. Word-saturated thinking: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5). Memorize and meditate so Scripture becomes the instinctive response to success or trial. 5. Gospel-centered identity: “By the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought” (Romans 12:3). Worth rests in Christ’s merit, not personal achievement. Walking Forward Pride whispers, “I shall not be shaken,” but God promises, “Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled” (Luke 14:11). Guarding the heart means staying near the cross, quick to confess, eager to serve, and continually amazed that the King of glory knows your name. |
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