Proverbs 16:18 says "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." I couldn't help but think of that verse as I read Zephaniah 2, and particularly verse 10. "This shall be their lot in return for their pride, because they taunted and boasted against the people of the Lord of hosts."
Have you ever noticed how when we read about or see pride demonstrated in the scriptures, it's typically not good? Well that lets me know we need to be aware of and striving to avoid prideful behavior, not to mention prideful thinking, which is much easier to overlook and/or hide because it's not visible.
I know, this is tough stuff, but we all deal with it. (Trust me. I'm well acquainted with pride.) So what are some ways we can keep our pride in check? Tami W.
As children of God we are called to be humble 1 Peter 5v6, James4v6 ,Luke 14v11 are some of the verses that emphasizes humility.Jesus for example was born in a place for animals,the bible says he was born in a lowly manger ,Jesus himself says in Matthew11 v29 "i am gentle and humble ...". We know because the bible tells us that" he who exalts himself shall be abased". So at the end of the day if i should do anything in pride i know that i did not do it as unto the Lord which would make it not praiseworthy.
That is very difficult to do. I know that their is times that I didnt realize it untill it hit me in the face. We need to slow down at times and ask ourselves is the Lord in the for front, or are we just doing it for recongnition. Pride can hit you any where, at work, in sports, and in health. We need to remember that the Lord gave us our abilities and allowed us to flurish in them. Dont forget that and be gratefull. I had to be knocked down alittle to bring me back in line. Didnt like it but later I realized that it was the best thing for me and it brought me back closer to God and now I am filled with more peace.
Oh, pride again! I pray for humility, then resist when God tries to teach it to me. I am so thankful that the Lord is merciful and forgiving because I have been "working on" my pride problem for a long time. I am so resistive and not quite aware yet of all the ways in which my pride manifests itself. Thank the Lord for His wonderful lovingkindness.