August 24, 2011

 Pride 

Proverbs 16:18
Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.

This is the Strong’s Greek Concordance Number 1347a
Transliteration: ga’own
Phonetic Spelling: (gaw’-ohn)
Definition: arrogancy

When I was studying this word I noticed that there were several Greek variations of this word.  I’ve selected the one used here in this verse.

I was not surprised by the definition.  It is a word we all know well, and use often.

But one thing I did learn when reading all the different words in the definition is the word – exaltation.  I had to stop on that one and think about it.

Isn’t exaltation something that should be reserved for God?  You bet it is!  That is exactly why when we are prideful we are exalting ourselves and God will not, cannot stand for that.  Pride – self exaltation is what got Satan ejected immediately from heaven.  Go directly to earth, do not pass go, do not collect $200!!!

I’ve added a bit of humor to this critically serious topic, but we do tend to snicker when we think about how quickly, with no debate, Satan was ejected from Heaven.  But we must see that this scripture is warning us that should pride, in any form, enter our behavior or attitude, we are certain to face destruction as well.

If that thought makes you shudder the way it did me, then evaluate your life and your attitudes towards others today to see if even the slightest morsel of pride has crept in.  If it has, immediately eradicate it before you to are facing certain destruction.

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