Pride

Pride

Pride is a word that has a positive and negative connotation. We teach our children to take “pride” in their projects and school work and to have “pride” for their country. The downside of pride is when we become arrogant or forget what or who helped us get to our current position. The letter at the center of the words PRIDE and SIN are “I.” The abundance of personal pronouns is a sign of prideful behavior.

The book of Daniel in the Old Testament gives an excellent example of pride and its demise through the King of Babylon, King Nebuchadnezzar. Babylon was one of the greatest cities of its time, and King Nebuchadnezzar wanted all the glory for its success. The king made extravagant idols of himself for people to worship and thought of himself as a god. During his reign, he sought advice from Daniel through dream interpretation. Daniel was able to use his faith in God as a tool to reach King Nebuchadnezzar, but the king’s arrogance and pride clouded his mind. In Daniel 5:20-21 we find Daniel reminding Belshazzar, son of Nebuchadnezzar, of the flaws of his father. Nebuchadnezzar was exiled from his kingdom and lost his sanity to his pride and selfishness. It was not until he recognized the God of Daniel as the one true God that he received his sanity and returned to civilization. The king had to HUMBLE himself before God to be restored. Pastor Rick Warren said, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.”

This king lost all he had because of pride and arrogance. God warns us to be humble with our wealth, talent, and abilities. The purpose of abundance is to bless others with the surplus. Be a blessing to someone with your gifts and strive to be selfless in your interactions with others. Recognize the gifts you receive and place your faith in God to provide. Work hard and appreciate those who have helped you become who you are because pride brings dishonor and humility begets wisdom.

Proverbs 11: 2

“With pride comes dishonor, but with humility comes wisdom.”