In what ways can we guard against pride in our own lives? The Warning in the Forest “ It was beautiful in its greatness, in the length of its branches, for its roots extended to abundant waters.” (Ezekiel 31:7) Assyria looked unassailable—tall, lush, deeply rooted—yet the chapter ends with the same tree felled and scattered. The picture reminds us that outward success can mask inward pride. The axe falls when God decides the heart has ignored Him long enough. Tracing the Roots of Pride • Confidence that no longer consults God (Deuteronomy 8:11–14) • Achievements credited to self instead of the Lord (Daniel 4:30–32) • Comparing ourselves to others instead of to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:12) • Dismissing correction or accountability (Proverbs 12:1) Habits That Starve Pride and Feed Humility • Begin each day acknowledging dependence: “Apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5) • Keep a running list of answered prayers and unexpected mercies. Gratitude disarms entitlement. • Read Scripture with the question, “What does this reveal about God’s greatness, not mine?” • Confess sin quickly—first to God (1 John 1:9), then to any person affected (James 5:16). • Serve in hidden ways that receive no applause (Matthew 6:3–4). • Invite honest friends to speak into blind spots (Proverbs 27:6). • Celebrate others’ successes out loud (Romans 12:15). • Fast periodically; physical hunger reminds the soul of its true dependence (Matthew 4:4). Scripture Checks for the Proud Heart • Proverbs 16:18—“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” • James 4:6—“God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” • 1 Peter 5:5–6—Clothe yourselves with humility so that God may exalt you in due time. • Philippians 2:3—“In humility consider others more important than yourselves.” • Luke 18:14—The tax collector who humbled himself “went home justified.” Signs Humility Is Growing • Quicker to listen than speak • Joy when others are praised • Willingness to take the low task without resentment • Soft answers that turn away wrath (Proverbs 15:1) • Contentment whether noticed or overlooked • Eagerness to attribute every success to the Lord (1 Corinthians 4:7) Living Tall Without Toppling God delights to plant His people by “streams of living water” (Psalm 1:3). Remain there, rooted in His greatness, and you can grow strong without fearing the crash that comes to the proud. |
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