PRIDE: THE SIN THAT GOD SERIOUSLY WARNS US AGAINST

Proverb 6:16-23

Revd. Dr. J.A. Aworinde

Pride is one of the banes of the modern age while humility is one of the greatest needs of the present age.  One of the sins the Bible constantly warns us against is the sin of pride.  In proverb 6:16-17.  Pride is the first in the series of things God hates.  In the Beatitudes, our Lord puts humility first.

Characteristics of a proud Person

1.         Haughty eyes

2.         Seen one self as the only wise and whose life is exclusively made for

3.         Deliberately ignoring and undermining what is good in others.

4.         Run down syndrome

5.         Over-confidence in oneself

6.         He would always wants to be first and seen

7.         He would always puffs up

8.         He exhibits peacock syndrome in the home, place of work and church

God does not take pride lightly

Is. 2:11-12:     The lofty looks of man shall be humbled and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day.  For the day of the Lord shall be upon everyone  that is proud and lofty and everyone that is lifted up and he shall be brought low.

Is. 3:16:          The Lord say: Because the daughter of Zion are haughty and walks forth with stretched forth necks and wanton eyes, walking and mincing as they go.  The Lord will smite with a  scab the crown of the head.  He will expose their secrets parts  He  will take away the brabery.

PEOPLE ARE PROUD WHEN THEY MISTAKE ELITISM WITH WISDOM.  The fear of the lord is the beginning of wisdom.  Academic knowledge without the grace of being born into the family of God will only move a man away completely from God.

PEOPLE BECOME PROUD BECAUSE OF THE LITTLE OPPORTUNITY THEY HAVE     

-       Pride leads to the missing of both Divine and human blessing.

-       It blinds people eyes and minds to new idea.

-       Pride encourages oppression in our society.

-       Pride often leads to inglorious end

-       Many students have failed because of pride.

But humility

Leads to answered prayer ( II Chronicle 7:14, James 4:10) enables one to enjoy the favour of God.  Humble yourself in the sight of the Lord and he shall lift you up. (James 4:10)

It enables one to gain victory over enemies (Psalm 149:4)

Humility helps one to enjoy the mercy of God (II Ch. 32:26)

*Without humility a man cannot learn, because the first step to learning is the realization of our own ignorance

Do you realize that you need the grace of humility and not pride.

1.     In order to enjoy the priviledge of answered prayer

2.     In order to enjoy the favour of God

3.     In order to enjoy the mercy of God

4.     In order to be pleasing unto God (Is. 57:15)

5.     In order to enjoy divine guidance in all your ways (Psalm 25:9)