Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.
Not everything in life is built by pride, but whenever man seeks to build something without giving glory to God, pride takes over. So he proceeds to build his mega corporations, empires, technology, and economies without due regard for God. The years turn into decades, and then to centuries. Human pride only gains more confidence in itself. Man’s scientific achievements serve only to embolden him in his proud self-determination. As the years pass, there is no fall, no destruction—only the expansion of man’s achievements and his ever-increasing pride. Now he is sure of his own success. He is sure there is no God to enforce such a principle as this one. And, when he least expects it, everything collapses on him. Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall—always.
Having applied this maxim to man’s empires and institutions, think how many times we might apply this to ourselves in all of our little experiences in life. Once we have achieved a little success, pride always shows up with party hats for the celebration! Then what happens to our success? A preacher might deliver an excellent sermon on humility. Four people congratulate him on a great message, pride returns, and all is for naught! How many powerful politicians or world-class athletes lose all credibility because of a moral failure? The principle in this verse is confirmed millions of times every day in the lives of billions of people around the world. May God help us to internalize this principle and live our lives by it!
Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.
Generally speaking, humble people are not “cool.” As a rule, they are not popular, powerful, or rich. If they are wealthy or powerful, they are usually despised by the masses. But worldly popularity is not worth much, for it is always shallow and fleeting. Proud people think nothing of you, because they think mainly of themselves. They like to play the popularity contests, but who wants to be popular among those who are always proudly turning themselves into gods, and wouldn’t think twice about putting a boot in your face? If you find yourself in the middle of a gathering of proud people who are trying to prove themselves smarter, funnier, better looking, or richer than the next person, excuse yourself from the competition immediately. This is not your game. Instead, go find a group of humble people whom you can learn from. In the end you will find yourself blessed with fruitful, edifying, and enduring relationships.
1. Are we a proud family? How does pride manifest itself in our family?
2. Do you ever find yourself pulled into activities or conversations where proud people compete for a position of preeminence? Is it possible to compete over who is the most theologically astute, or who is the most pious? What could you do to excuse yourself from these groups?
3. How might we do better as a family associating with humble people? What does a humble person look like?