The Root Of Sin

Read Proverbs 16

The LORD detests the proud; they will surely be punished.

Proverbs 16:5

Our human tendency is to assess sin superficially. We look at external behavior and rank it. For example, “white” lies are often viewed as “no big deal”; stealing is regarded as a pretty major sin; and, well, if you really want to offend God, engage in some kind of sexual perversion—like pedophilia.

The Bible takes a deeper view of sin. God looks at the human heart and says that the root of all disobedience—from unkindness to mass murder—is the sin of pride. It’s not surprising, then, to read in Proverbs 16 that God detests pride.

Pride is that powerful yearning inside each of us that says, “I will do things my way.” Pride has no regard for God’s glory. It has no interest in exalting his name. Pride rejects God’s will for “what I want.” But in the end it reaps punishment, not freedom.

A WORD FOR TODAY

Pride leads to judgment.

Today, Lord, show me where I stubbornly refuse to bow my will to yours. Give me the grace I need to humble myself before you.