The Destructive Spirit of Pride
Proverbs 16:18
“Pride goes before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.”
Obadiah 1
The sin of pride has the nature and characteristics of certain diseases which become contagious and even deadly. When it manifests itself in the form of pride, there is arrogance, selfishness, and narcissism. Pride will always seek for self-gratification. In the Bible, we read about the nation of Edom [descendants of Esau], whose pride prevented them from helping Israel during their time of distress. Instead, they sided with the enemy against them (Obadiah 1:10-14). In their pride, Edom disregarded Israel, and turned them over to the enemy. God saw their evil deeds, and recompensed Edom in His due season (Obadiah 1:4; Ezekiel 35:11-15).
Pride is one of the most despicable and destructive sins mankind has ever known. It is displayed in presumptuousness, with lack of concern regarding how it affects others or the outcome which it brings to its servants. Pride is extremely costly to the one who has been enchanted by its spells, and who has been captured by its powers. There is no question, pride will eventually lead to devastating results because it gives a false sense of security of being invincible. The individual displays intense resentment, unwarranted anger, and bitterness towards the object of his hate and animosities.
With bitterness, there is hostility, and constant indignation against someone or whatever the object of the hate might be. The reason is that pride blinds the eyes, deadens the senses, and weakens the ability to think reasonably. When someone has been oppressed by this spirit, that person sneers at those who cannot defend themselves, as in the case of Edom who turned their backs on Israel in their time of need. The spirit of pride makes the individual thinks he is better than anyone else, more powerful, with more influence; and rejoices when someone falls.
Regarding hate, prejudice, and arrogance; God is just and fair to all, and He will bless anyone who calls upon Him for help (Matthew 5:45). Apart from being merciful to all, God will not be mocked (Galatians 6:7-8). No one can plant corn and expects to reap sugar cane. Impossible! Therefore, the seeds which are sown today, will most certainly return a harvest sometime in the future. Next, God says vengeance belongs to Him, and He will repay the enemy (Romans 12:19).
In the message from the prophet Obadiah, we see how God returned the favour, which Edom gave to Israel in such ways that they could have hardly imagined while they sneered and rejoiced at the weakness of His people. Edom was deceived by the pride in his heart which he exhibited in full measure against Israel (Obadiah 1:3-4). If only we would leave problems which are beyond our control in God’s hands, we would see His mighty power at work on our behalf without fail. People will plot and plan against us, and in our weakest hour they will celebrate. Still, when we put our trust in Almighty God and wait for Him to act, we will stand firm against Satan’s forces (Psalm 125:1-3; Psalm 20). While the proud schemes, unconcerned to him, God is watching and waiting with His plan to vindicate the weak who trusts in His power and wisdom. God will not leave those who trust in Him in the hands of the wicked who give themselves over to the devil (Psalm 37:32-33).
Pride is extremely dangerous and destructive, with deadly outcomes because it has no power to deliver its own servants. One of the weaknesses of pride is that the individual is eaten up with anger and bitterness so that he cannot forgive, or help the weaknesses which pride brings with it. Moreover, pride is a spirit which defiles the individual, and those who are involved with that person (Hebrews 12:15). Pride is embroiled with conceit and arrogance. The individual only has concerns for the self, and does not care for those who seem weak and unable to defend themselves. There is satisfaction and delight when their evil deeds bring the result which was intended. What the proud fails to understand is that God is looking on, and He has a day of reckoning when He will render to them as they gave to those whom they hate, and on whom they spew their deadly venom.
Lying is one of the features of pride, of which Satan is the father. When Jesus was confronted by those who opposed Him, He said to them, “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it” (John 8:44). Satan was eaten up by pride which brought his downfall (I Timothy 3:6). Those who are being consumed by pride with their hatred, and arrogance will also face similar outcome if they do not repent. Their pride has deceived them. When the proud intentionally hurts God’s people, He will recompence them in measure, while He delivers and secures the innocent.
In closing, pride, with its attributes of hatred, spite, lies, deceit, and malice has become the order of the day in many areas of society, and explicit in various settings and organizations. There are people in notable settings, who are consumed by the powers of pride. Their addiction has become their personality; and they can no longer help themselves. They grow corrupt, and more evil every day as their hatred becomes uncontrollable. Their ruthlessness, mercilessness, and shamelessness have spoiled their very features. The result is distortion, and disfigurement of their features, which complement the characteristics of pride.
Indeed, pride is a destructive and evil spirit. It is demonic, and dangerous; and unless those who are involved repent, they shall perish (Luke 13:1-5).
Undoubtedly, pride is a powerful, and deadly emotional disease which will destroy the one who has been captured and infected by its powers.
Proverbs 16:18
“Pride goes before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.”
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