When Pride Gets In The Way

Read Proverbs 21

Haughty eyes, a proud heart, and evil actions are all sin.

Proverbs 21:4

God hates pride. Sure, God wants his people to realize how much he loves them; he wants his people to have strong self-esteem that comes from knowing their worth and value in his eyes. But God hates pride. Why? Because pride pushes us away from God. Pride says we don’t need God watching over us. Pride says we don’t want God in control. Pride says we are better than everyone else. Pride turned a glorious angel into Satan, so God knows the power of pride.

We would all agree with the second part of this verse—evil actions are sinful. But God also views “haughty eyes” and “a proud heart” as sinful. To look down on others and to separate oneself from God is to commit sin, just as surely as doing an evil act such as stealing. Pride is powerful and dangerous, so we must be ever on guard against it.

A WORD FOR TODAY

Living me-centered is living stuck in sin.

Lord, if I am haughty or prideful in any way toward anyone, please reveal it to me. Show me how to walk humbly with you and to treat others as I should.