How can we recognize and address prideful attitudes within our hearts? Living Wisdom: Proverbs 11:2 “When pride comes, disgrace follows, but with humility comes wisdom.” (Proverbs 11:2) Pride and humility travel with very different companions. One drags along disgrace; the other invites wisdom into the room. Scripture refuses to blur those lines—its verdict is clear, and it helps us discern what’s going on inside our own hearts. Spotting Pride in Everyday Moments • Self-promotion: needing others to notice accomplishments, even subtle “humble-brag” comments. • Dismissive thinking: quietly believing you have nothing to learn from certain people. • Irritability with correction: bristling when someone points out a mistake. • Comparison: feeling superior or inferior based on how you stack up against others. • Prayerlessness: acting as if today can be handled without God’s help. Proverbs 16:18 backs this up: “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” Why Pride Is Spiritually Hazardous • It provokes God’s resistance—“God opposes the proud.” (James 4:6) • It blinds us to our real condition—Revelation 3:17 describes a church that said, “I am rich,” yet was “wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.” • It poisons relationships—“Only by pride comes contention.” (Proverbs 13:10 literal rendering) Heart Shifts: Moving From Pride to Humility 1. Honest self-examination – Pray Psalm 139:23-24 aloud: “Search me, O God…see if there is any offensive way in me.” – Invite a trusted believer to speak candidly about blind spots. 2. Fresh vision of Christ’s humility – Philippians 2:3-8 shows the Son of God taking the “nature of a servant.” Gazing there lowers every raised chin. 3. Confession and repentance – Admit pride specifically, not generally (e.g., “I loved applause more than Your glory today”). – 1 John 1:9 assures cleansing when sin is confessed. 4. Receiving grace – James 4:6: “He gives us more grace.” Humility begins where self-reliance ends. Daily Practices That Starve Pride and Feed Humility • Scripture before screens—start the morning under God’s voice, not social media’s. • Thank-you lists—record daily mercies to remind your soul that everything is a gift. • Quiet service—do unseen acts of kindness; refuse to broadcast them. • Submitting plans—pray Proverbs 3:5-6 over schedules, decisions, and dreams. • Listening first—cultivate curiosity about others instead of preparing your next comment. • Fasting regularly—physical self-denial teaches the heart that it is not in charge. Encouraging Hope: The Promise of Grace Luke 18:13-14 paints the outcome: the tax collector’s humble cry, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner,” sent him home justified. The humble always receive what the proud never can—wisdom, grace, and the smile of God. “With humility comes wisdom.” (Proverbs 11:2) Embracing that promise keeps pride in check and opens the door to genuine, God-given insight in every corner of life. |
    |