Pride versus wisdom

Proverbs 13:10 (NIV)

Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.

The book of Proverbs has a lot to say about the evils of pride and God’s attitude toward the pride of mankind.  Here are some examples:

·  He mocks proud mockers but gives grace to the humble. (3:34)

·  When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. (11:2)

·  The LORD detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished. (16:5)

·  Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. (16:18)

·  Better to be lowly in spirit and among the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud. (16:19)

·  Before his downfall a man's heart is proud, but humility comes before honor. (18:12)

·  Haughty eyes and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, are sin! (21:4)

So when you read and think through these verses, what do they say to you?  Here are some thoughts I have:

·  God hates pride.  Why?  Because pride in people prevent those people from having a right relationship with God.  God loves who He created and loves to help His people yet human pride prevents Him from helping and prevents people from loving Him.

·  Pride is the root of all sin. The ways that people hurt one another is caused by pride.  It is pride that prevents people from following the Golden Rule (Matthew 7:12; Luke 6:31). 

·  Pride causes all kinds of personality disorders that affect interpersonal relationships and obedience to the Lord—complaining, self-serving, superior attitudes, putting work and career above family, and so much else—are all the primary result of unbridled pride.

·  Pride, if not replaced with humility, will destroy you.

Pride breeds quarrels.  The middle letter of pride is “i” or “I”.  Your ego can be an evil thing and if threatened or wounded, it will react, producing all kinds of evil that starts with quarreling.  Quarreling, in fact, according to this verse, is produced only because of pride.  There is no peace when quarreling.  When there is no peace, there is no involvement of God.

It is the wise person who listens and takes seriously the advice of God through His word.  His word is clear about human pride and all its evils.  Be wise in heeding what His word teaches.