How can we avoid the "foot of the proud" in our daily lives? The verse in focus “Let not the foot of the proud come against me, nor the hand of the wicked drive me away.” (Psalm 36:11) What does “the foot of the proud” picture? • Crushing pressure from arrogant people or systems • Subtle influence that pulls us toward self-exaltation • A threat that can trample faith, joy, and testimony if unchecked Why pride is so dangerous • “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18) • “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5) • Pride blinds, hardens, and eventually isolates us from God’s protection (Isaiah 2:11–12) Staying out from under that foot: daily practices • Cultivate humility – Regularly acknowledge dependence on the Lord (John 15:5) – Give credit to God and others, resisting self-promotion • Choose wise company – “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked.” (Psalm 1:1) – Seek fellowship with those who model servant-heartedness • Saturate your mind with Scripture – Use God’s Word as a lamp to spot pride early (Psalm 119:105) – Memorize verses on humility and review them when success or praise comes • Practice quick confession – When prideful thoughts surface, confess immediately (1 John 1:9) – Keep short accounts with God and with people you may have slighted • Serve intentionally – Look for unnoticed tasks and take them on (Mark 10:45) – Serving counters the desire to be served and keeps feet—yours and others’—off your back • Pray for discernment – Ask the Lord to expose subtle arrogance in yourself and in influences around you (Psalm 139:23–24) • Trust God’s justice – Resist retaliation when faced with proud opposition (Romans 12:19) – Remember that God “mocks proud mockers but gives grace to the humble.” (Proverbs 3:34) Living free and light Walking in humility under God’s mighty hand keeps the crushing foot of pride—whether our own or another’s—from landing on us. As we daily choose dependence, obedience, and service, we stand where grace flows, and no proud step can overrun us. |
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