Pride

Pride is evil, sinful, and so prevalent. How do we get rid of it?

“We have heard of the pride of Moab, an excessive pride; even of his arrogance, pride, and fury; his idle boasts are false. Therefore Moab will wail; everyone of Moab will wail.”—Isaiah 16:6–7 NASB

God hates pride! The Bible states, “Pride, arrogance, the evil way, and the perverted mouth, I hate” (Proverbs 8:13). Prophets continually warned of the consequences of pride.

Dealing with pride was central to Isaiah’s ministry. He warned that God acts against pride, whether in the lives of individuals or nations. He prophesied, “The pride of humanity will be humbled and the arrogance of people will be brought low; and the LORD alone will be exalted on that day” (Isaiah 2:17).

When God turned His attention to Moab, He saw their reputation for “an excessive pride.” They were known for “arrogance, pride, and fury.” The nation was filled with “boasts,” but these boasts were “idle,” and all of them were “false.” There could be only one consequence: They had to be humbled so their pride would end.

Proverbs teaches, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before stumbling” (Proverbs 16:18). And Jesus said, “Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted” (Matthew 23:12).

When our hearts are proud, we become blind to our own sins and weaknesses. We trust in ourselves and our own abilities and forget about God. Pride is like a poison that contaminates every part of our lives.

Ask God to purge you of pride. Humble yourself before Him, and give Him all honor and praise.

Reflection Question: Compose a prayer humbling yourself before God.