Perspectives on Pride

It’s a funny word.

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First of all, unless we are talking about Lions  and certain club affiliations, pride is an emotion, a good feeling, a positive agreement about achievements.

For example I’m proud of my grandchildren for being adorable and for doing wonderful things in adorable ways. I’m proud of their parents for raising such adorable children and hiding any un-adorable behavior from my eyes. I’m proud of my sports team, who ever it might be at the moment, when they win or even gracefully lose, because, in spite of what their coaches might be paid to tell them about losing being shameful, there is a classy way to play the game. I’m proud of people who don’t take the bait and behave like spoiled children.

I’m proud of the ideals of America, not all the actions, but when its very best is displayed - that part that protects the weak, for example.

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But again, it’s a funny word because pride is listed numero uno on the Seven Deadly Sins list. It comes before greed, wrath, envy, lust, and gluttony.

Why is this?

I think the answer is actually very simple.

It has to do with the object for which we have pride. When it has to do with pride in ourselves - blowing our own horns, seeing ourselves as better than others against the pronouncements of God himself who always loves the least of everyone, including us at our weakest and neediest, we have stepped into a sinister self-deception.

It is our pride, which in this case is a synonym for arrogance, that goes before our comeuppance.

So enjoy the achievements of others. These are to be celebrated robustly and be gracious for compliments knowing that God sees it all and is therefore the only one best able to accurately compliment and correct.

I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, and I find knowledge and discretion.

The fear of the LORD is hatred of evil.

Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate.

I have counsel and sound wisdom; I have insight; I have strength.

By me kings reign, and rulers decree what is just; by me princes rule, and nobles, all who govern justly.

I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me.

Riches and honor are with me, enduring wealth and righteousness.

My fruit is better than gold, even fine gold, and my yield than choice silver.

I walk in the way of righteousness, in the paths of justice, granting an inheritance to those who love me, and filling their treasuries.

Proverbs 8:12-21 (ESV)

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