The Subtlety of Pride

Song: Sunshine In My Soul

Scripture: Proverbs 27:1-6

Pride is a subtle sin. It can slip up on you. The proverbs in this selection illustrate the subtlety of pride and the slipperiness of the sin of presumption.

Don’t count your chickens before they hatch! “Don’t boast about tomorrow!” warned Solomon. You have no crystal ball to see the future. You don’t know what tomorrow may bring.

Don’t sing your own praises! “Let another praise you, and not your own mouth.” If no one is there to inform the crowd of your accomplishments, don’t bore them yourself with your resumé;.

Don’t duel with a braggart! The empty boasts of a fool are hard to stomach. Solomon said they are heavier than a sack of sand. But don’t engage the fool in a battle of wits. He’ll sink himself eventually. Just leave him shoveling for now.

Don’t incense a jealous heart. Jealousy is the most impassioned form of hurt pride. Take every precaution to avoid the receiving end of its fury.

Care enough to confront. A man must be humble enough to run the risk of confronting those he loves when discipline is needed. Better to be too blunt than to conceal love for a soul in jeopardy. On the other hand…

Be gentle enough to accept correction. Friends tell you when you’re wrong. Their wounds are faithful. Be humble enough to let your friends help even when they’re a bit clumsy at it. And permit them without shooting back.

Jason Moore