Saturday, February 7, 2015

The Rewards of Arrogance

“Warning: Construction work next 10 miles.”

Most of us have seen road signs that warn us of an impending danger. Wise motorists heed the warning if they want to be safe. Careless ones normally take risks to prove they make their own rules and create their own destiny. The attitude that “Rules were made to be broken” proves that they can get away with things in life that have boundaries.

“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall” is a warning that is well worth following. There is little doubt that one of the most fundamental foes Christians face is pride. In fact, Solomon stated in verse five that “The Lord detests all the proud of heart!” Pride, once it invades our hearts, is often the beginning step in walking away from God. Pride will destroy us because it cancels the first rule of wisdom: “The fear of the Lord.” Pride and an attitude of humility and our complete dependence on God cannot exist in the same heart.

It is well worth noting that the word “destruction” carries with it a picture of the shattering of a bone. When our hearts become filled with pride and we no longer see the need for God to be at the center of our lives, all of our dreams and visions will be shattered.

A good way to understand the word “haughty” is to think of the “woozy” feelings that come with being “dizzy.” Life becomes blurred, steps uncertain and unsteady and eventually lead to a fall.

“Forewarned is forearmed.”

Prayer:  Help us, Lord, to become dependent on You for all that we need lest we stumble and fall because of pride. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Proverbs 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.

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