FISHERS OF MEN

Pride (Part 2): In this week’s article on Pride, I would like to look at what the Old Testament has to say about this important subject.

1.It is extremely hateful, an abomination to God. "These six things does the Lord hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look. A lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren." Proverbs 6: 19-20.

2. God will destroy the works of the proud, "God will destroy the works of the proud." "The Lord will destroy the house of the proud." Proverbs 15:25.

3. This abomination to God will not go unpunished. "Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord; though they join forces none will go unpunished." Proverbs 16:5. God hates Pride and arrogance.

4. Pride is a sin. "A haughty look, a proud heart, And the plowing of the wicked are sin." Proverbs 21:4

5. Pride causes strife and contention Proverbs 28: 25, “He who is of a proud heart stirs up strife." "By pride comes only contention". Proverbs 13:10

6. Pride brings destruction and a fall. Proverbs 16:18 "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. "A man's pride will bring him low, but the humble in spirit will retain honor." Proverbs 29:23. It can clearly be seen from all these Old Testament passages that pride is something that is especially abhorred by God. It is not so much that God feels that it is a sin directly against Him, but rather that it brings to the individual himself others sins directly connected with pride and causes much confusion and contention among one's fellow men. Please do not misunderstand me. Pride is related to our attitude toward God. To this there can be no doubt. The person who is proud finds it difficult in his obstinate heart to surrender his will to the will of God. His pride cannot let any other direct him. But this sin has much to do with our relationship with others. The person who is proud cannot look upon others as his equal. He must always look down upon others. His superiority is plain to himself even if others cannot see it. It is the proud person who causes much of the trouble in the church. It is the proud person who causes strife within the congregation. It is the person who is filled with pride who cannot bow to the wishes of others and cannot find it within his heart to submit to others. Now by saying this I am not saying that only pride causes strife and contention but I am saying that a great amount of the strife and contention in a person’s life comes from pride. In next week’s article we will notice some of the New Testament scriptures relating to this subject.

Think on These Things Robert Swain

2316 East Hundred Road

Chester, Virginia 23836

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