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◄ Being Proud►

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Definition and Nature:
Pride, in the biblical context, is often understood as an excessive view of oneself without regard for others. It is considered a sin that leads to downfall and is frequently contrasted with humility, which is highly valued in Scripture. Pride is seen as a root of many other sins and is often associated with arrogance, self-righteousness, and a lack of dependence on God.

Biblical References:

1.Old Testament:
·Proverbs 16:18 · "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." This verse highlights the inevitable downfall that follows pride, warning believers of its destructive nature.
·Isaiah 2:11 · "The proud look of man will be humbled, and the loftiness of men will be brought low; the LORD alone will be exalted in that day." Here, pride is depicted as something that will be humbled by God, emphasizing His ultimate authority and the futility of human arrogance.

2.New Testament:
·James 4:6 · "But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.'" This passage underscores the opposition between pride and humility, with God actively resisting the proud while offering grace to the humble.
·1John 2:16 · "For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but from the world." Pride is listed among the worldly desires that are contrary to the will of God.

Theological Implications:
Pride is often seen as the original sin, exemplified in the fall of Lucifer, who sought to elevate himself above God (Isaiah 14:12-15). It is a sin that distorts one's relationship with God, leading to self-reliance rather than dependence on divine grace. The Bible consistently teaches that God values humility and submission to His will, as seen in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.

Practical Applications:
Believers are encouraged to cultivate humility and recognize their dependence on God. This involves acknowledging one's limitations, seeking God's guidance, and valuing others above oneself. The practice of humility is seen as a pathway to receiving God's grace and favor.

Warnings and Consequences:
Scripture warns of the severe consequences of pride, including spiritual blindness, separation from God, and eventual judgment. The account of King Nebuchadnezzar inDaniel 4 serves as a cautionary tale of how pride can lead to downfall and how humility can restore one's relationship with God.

Exemplary Figures:
·Jesus Christ: The ultimate example of humility, who, despite being in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped but humbled Himself (Philippians 2:6-8).
·King David: Although he had moments of pride, David is often remembered for his humility and repentance, as seen in his psalms and his response to God's correction.

Conclusion:
While pride is a natural human inclination, the Bible calls believers to a life of humility, recognizing that all good things come from God and that true greatness is found in serving others.

Topical Bible Verses

Proverbs 21:4
An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.
Topicalbible.org

James 4:6
But he gives more grace. Why he said, God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.
Topicalbible.org

Proverbs 16:5
Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.
Topicalbible.org

James 4:10
Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
Topicalbible.org

Library

The Teaching of Contemplative Life in Praying, Meditating, Fasting...
... LIFE IN PRAYING, MEDITATING, FASTING, AND WAKING: AND OF THEPROUD CONTEMPLATIVE:
AND... and Christ favouring, the mind shall be gladdened; andbeing glad, shall...

The English Reformation.
... I will unfrock you.' As a matter of taste she liked crucifixes, images, and the
gorgeous display of the Roman hierarchy and ritual; and,being proud of her own...

Psalm LXXV.
... peoples, of Jews and of Gentiles: the people of the Jews that Pharisee was, the
people of the Gentiles that Publican....As those bybeing proud have withdrawn...

Brooks -- the Pride of Life
... you have in the life of a man, old or young, to whom God has sent prosperity, who
by his own act then turns that prosperity into a failure bybeing proud of it...

Satan's Devices
... like other men. We should farther consider, thatbeing proud of grace,
is the most ready way to lose it. "For God resisteth the...

Introductory Remarks on the Importance of Orthodoxy
... The man wasproud ofbeing orthodox, wasproud ofbeing right. If he stood alone
in a howling wilderness he was more than a man; he was a church....

Psalm LXXVI.
... All they that understand truth to be common to all, and who do not make it as it
were their own bybeing proud concerning it, they shall offer gifts; because...

On the Words of the Gospel, Luke xviii. 1,"They Ought Always to...
... I am not as the rest of men." "I thank Thee, O God." He gives God thanks, that he
is not as the rest of men: and yet he is blamed asbeing proud and puffed up...

Psalm XLIX.
... As he lived that was "clothed with purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously
every day," [1635] who,being proud and puffed up, spurned the man full of...

Psalm LXXXV.
... God; he sees that everything which is praised in him is of the mercy of God, not
of his own deserving; and seeing this, he is notproud; notbeing proud, he is...