Proverbs 16:18, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty ([arrogant) spirit before a fall.”
God created us and His purpose from the very beginning, was for us to live our lives focused on Him and not on ourselves. Until Adam and Eve disobediently ate from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, they were so unconscious of self that they did not even consider their own nakedness. When they ate, their eyes became fully aware of themselves and wanted to hide from God. Their focus had shifted from God to self.
This is the main reason pride is not something to boast about!
From ones point of view, pride can be a feeling of deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one’s own achievements. But from God’s perspective, pride is a high or exalted attitude. Living according to the wisdom of the world.
1 John 2:16, “For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.”
Pride always exalts self above God. … Pride kills your love for God, kills your passion for God, and kills your desire for God. Pride is behind every sin ever committed, every rebellion against God and His Word, and every fall of the heart of a person from the loving embrace of His Creator.
We first hear of pride in heaven, when the Bible tells us of Lucifer, known as satan (fallen angel), as fallen through pride, envy of God and jealousy of humans.
Satan’s famous example of pride lead to a catastrophic downfall. … Jesus tells us (Luke 10:18), “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.” Because the devil’s pride caused him to attempt to overthrow God and endeavor to steal His glory.
Proverbs 13:10 reads,
“Only by pride cometh contention.”
This verse makes it clear that pride is the source of all controversy.
Examples are disagreements, disputes, arguments, debate, dissension, contention, disputation, altercation, quarrels.
James 4:6, “But he gives more grace. Therefore, it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
God’s grace is what we don’t deserve but He loves us! Pride is not trusting God to provide what we need! When we leave God out of our lives and in situations, we are simply saying, we can be god of our own lives! When God is left out, the enemy comes in. Disaster is inevitable. But God gives more grace!
The correct way to deal with self is to shift your focus.
Matthew 6:33, But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.”
We are not to seek what we want and desire, but to seek God and what He wills! Consequently, He will supply your every need and you will lack nothing!
In James 4:10, it says,
“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.”
When we humble ourselves, you are to think and speak exactly what God says about you. Humble does not mean to be shy and afraid to say who you are in the Lord! To be humble is to agree with God about who He says you are!
These Bible verses teach that we are supposed to be dead to self. But if one is full of self, your prayers and relationship with God will be hindered!
For this is what pleases God,
Jeremiah 9:23-24, Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.”
Moses & Marguerite Wafula