Table of Contents
Pride
In the Bible, pride is listed as the first one of the six things that God hates: “These six things the LORD hates…A proud look” (Proverbs 6:16-19). Self-exaltation thwarts a man from admitting his sin and humbling himself before the Lord. And as long as it continues, salvation is impossible. The proud man is restricted from entering into heaven as surely as if the Lord hated him. “For You will save the humble people, but will bring down haughty looks” (Psalms 18:27 also Job 21:22).
Pride was the foundation of the first sin in the universe. When Lucifer became proud of his beauty and wisdom, sin started in his heart. The Scriptures say, “Your heart was lifted up because of your beauty; you corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor” (Ezekiel 28:17-19). So, he said to himself, “I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation… I will be like the Most High…” (Isaiah 14:14-15).
Lucifer desired to be like God in position, power, and glory, but not in character. He desired for himself the worship that angels gave to God. Although he was only a created being, he sought honor due alone to the Creator. And because, Satan refused to give up his rebellion when its nature and consequences were shown to him by God, Lucifer started on a path that will finally end in eternal death (Isaiah 14:12–20).
At the judgement, the Lord will say, “Therefore I brought fire from your midst; it devoured you, and I turned you to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all who saw you. All who knew you among the peoples are astonished at you; you have become a horror, and shall be no more forever” (Ezekiel 28:18,19 also Isaiah 14:12).
Despite the Bible warnings against pride, every generation has mentioned proud individuals that fell into trouble and dishonor. “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18 also Proverbs 29:23). Those who maintain their pride throughout this life will be forced into humble acknowledgement of the error of their ways. Arrogance, pride, and a selfishness are all displeasing to God. “An high look, and a proud heart, . . . is sin” (Proverbs 21:4). And “God resists the proud” (James 4:6 also Psalms 40:4; 101:5; 138:6; 1 Timothy 6:4).
Ever since the entrance of sin, pride has been the leading evil in this world. Thus, it was in the days of Noah (Genesis. 6:5, 11), the New Testament days, and thus it will continue to be at the very end of time. “Men shall be . . . proud” (2 Timothy 3:2). While the wicked and proud may seem temporarily happy in this world (Malachi 3:15), their end will be an awful one. “For behold, the day is coming, burning like an oven, and all the proud, yes, all who do wickedly will be stubble. And the day which is coming shall burn them up” (Malachi 4:1).
A Message of Hope
God’s wish for the proud is to humble themselves, repent of their sins, and turn to Him so that they may live. God doesn’t enjoy the suffering and death of His children. For this reason, He pleads with them to forsake their evil ways and turn from their sins, that iniquity shall not be their ruin (Isaiah 1:18–20; Jeremiah 25:5; Ezekiel 18:30–32; Hosea 6:1).
And the Lord promises total restoration of the soul, “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14). The Lord promises us that however guilty we may have been in the past, He can restore us by His grace to His image (Genesis 1:26,27).
In His service,
BibleAsk Team
