01/09/2025
PRIDE WILL DESTROY YOU
Not "too much" pride. That's what this graphic, posted by Bible App, initially said, as they quoted Proverbs 16:18.
But let's see what Proverbs 16:18 actually says in multiple translations of the Bible.
"Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before stumbling." (NASB95)
"Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall." (KJV)
"Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." (ESV)
"Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall." (NLT)
"Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall." (NIV)
Yeahhhhhh, a sum total of ZERO of these translations even so much as *implies* that "too much" pride is what destroys us.
It doesn't matter how "much" pride we have, that's what Proverbs says will destroy us. Why?
Because pride, in the bible, is not being happy with yourself because of an achievement.
Pride in the bible is the unwillingness to be wrong. The focus only on self at the expense of others. Taking from people, using people, all for selfish motivation and selfish gain. Pride in the Bible is not about being satisfied with good accomplishments, pride in the Bible is about:
MY choice.
MY will.
MY way.
Pride in the Bible is when we make life all about ourselves. And this will destroy us. Because instead of anticipating the destruction to come, a prideful person is so self-righteous that they are confident no destruction could ever befall them. The Hebrew word for "fall" above really means calamity.
Pride leads to destruction, which brings calamity.
The moment you think you are "mature" enough that nothing can make you stumble in your walk with God is the *exact* moment you are on the road to destruction.
Humility makes us aware that sin is always crouching at our door ready to devour us, which leads us to the foot of the cross, the yoke of Jesus, and the power of the Holy Spirit.
Self-exalting pride will destroy us, but Christ-exalting humility will save us.
So drop the pride and pick up the cross.
Choose life instead of destruction.
Keep Thinking!
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