Pride And Precipice

Read Proverbs 16

Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall.

Proverbs 16:18

Today’s verse may conjure up images of celebrities or politicians who were riding high, did not see the precariousness of their proud position, and eventually fell from grace. We sometimes take secret pleasure in seeing such famous folk, their chests still puffed out, take a major tumble.

We need to note, however, that this verse is not addressed solely to those in the public eye. There is no preface that reads, “Hey, all you whose faces frequent the popular magazines, this message is for you!” No, God’s word of warning is for all of us. Whenever the source of our pride is something other than God, whenever we have confidence in ourselves alone, we are in danger of losing altitude quickly. We must seek the proper perspective on ourselves in relation to our Creator. It is on the basis of Jesus’ life and sacrifice, not our own accomplishments, that we have our worth restored. The proper source of our pride? The one who humbled himself and then was lifted up, Jesus Christ.

A WORD FOR TODAY

Pride will guide you over the cliff.

Today, Lord, may I stay proud of Jesus’ work and not my own. Thank you that you will keep me from falling if I remain faithful to you.