About “Pride ”

Pride can be defined as undue confidence in and

attention to one’s own skills, accomplishments, state
and possessions, or position. Pride is easier to recognise
in others than in oneself.
The root of sin is pride, for it is a rebellion against GOD
and the opposite of humility.
When one thinks about his/her own ability (self-
satisfaction, presumption, arrogance, conceit,
haughtiness, high-mindedness), the person is proud.
 Types of “Pride ”
There are some core ingredients of pride. For
instance when you win an award, when you
achieve your goal, when GOD uses you to make
someone progress in life etc.
There are three main types of pride:
 Superiority: It entails actions and property
in relation to victory. When one believes
that one is better or stronger than another
because of ones victory over another.
 Types of “Pride ”
 Arrogance: Occurs when one has less power than
another but one is not willing to submit to the
higher authority. The person can challenge the
other for having more power.
 Dignity: This is pride as regards human dignity.
When one claims the right of being treated as
peer, with the same status, same rights, same
freedom as the other. He attributes a higher value
to his self-image.
 How is “Pride ” expressed?
It is important to note that there is a thin line between pride
and self-confidence.
A self-confident person is quiet and unassuming but a proud
person believes he/she is always right and the person is not
teachable.

 Pride occurs when one regards oneself better than others.

One therefore ascribes ones achievements to hard work
and refuses to recognise the grace of GOD in ones life.
 A proud person treats others with contempt or cruelty
because he/she does not see the value in others.
 How is “Pride ” expressed contd.?
 It is excessive confidence in oneself, achievements,
possessions, position, etc. It is physically portrayed with a
raised chin, chest-out and shoulders raised, small smile,
head tilted backwards etc.
 On a spiritual level, it leads to disregard, disrespect and
disobedience to GOD. It is rebellion against GOD because it
attributes to oneself the honour and glory due to GOD.
 A proud person does not think it necessary to ask for
forgiveness because they do not admit their sinful
condition.
 What causes pride?
When people are blessed they tend to forget that it was because
GOD allowed it and not by their power; this invariably leads to
pride. Examples of blessings that can lead to pride if one forgets the
GOD factor are:
 Wealth: The rich fool was blessed and became proud as a result
because he forgot the GOD factor. Luke 12:16-21
 Power: King Nebuchadnezzar was humiliated because he believed
that the great Babylon was built as a result of his power. Daniel
4:28-37
 Beauty / good looks: The devil formerly named Lucifer was made
beautiful and it got to him. He then wanted to be like GOD and he
was thrown out of heaven. Ezekiel 28:12-15
 What causes pride contd.?
 Position: King Nebuchadnezzar was humiliated because he
regarded the position he occupies above GOD. He inherited the
throne upon his fathers’ death and he also conquered nations
which helped to expand his territorial powers, but his position
got to his head and he lost it. He later repented and was
restored. Jeremiah 46:1-2; Daniel 4:28-37
 Skills and abilities: People tend to be proud when people praise
them for their skills and abilities. For instance your ability to
sing beautifully, play the piano, organise events etc. When one
does not give GOD the glory it can lead to pride.
 Family background: Some people become proud as a result of
their pedigree and cannot really relate with people of a ‘lower
class’.
 Consequences of pride
 It erodes the grace of GOD in the life of the person.

 The person might end up being miserable.

 It disrupts GOD’s plan for ones life. GOD will leave the person
alone since he/she believes he/she can achieve greatness on
his/her strength.

 It brings dishonour and can lead to shame like in the case of King
Nebuchadnezzar before he repented.
 According to Proverbs 16:18, pride goes before destruction. That
means a proud person who does not repent will be destroyed.
 How can I avoid “Pride ” ?
 Be born-again: Surrender all to Him and realise that you are
on earth for a limited time. You came with nothing and will
leave with nothing. Give your life to Him and everything will
work out for your good. 1 John 2:16

 Pray: Tell GOD that He should take the spirit of pride away
from you. Tell Him that you want to depend on Him all your
life. Matthew 15:13

Be humble: Realise the fact that all you have and all you are
is as a result of GOD. All you have comes from you , all you are
He made you to be. Colossians 3:12
 How can I avoid “Pride ” contd.?

 Be honest: Recognise the fact that it is a character that you

have and you need to get rid of it. So that it does not lead you
to destruction. Pride goes before destruction.

 Show kindness: Be kind to others. Realise that everyone has

their strengths and weaknesses and there is a need to be
tolerant and follow peace with all men.
 What the bible says about “Pride”
 Pride is of the world – 1 John 2:16
 Pride defiles a man – Mark 7:15;22
 GOD will bring down the proud – Jeremiah 49:16
 The proud will be abased (put to shame) – Daniel 4:37
 Pride compasses the wicked about as a chain – Psalm 73:6
 The proud in heart shall suffer – Psalm 101:5
 The LORD will destroy the house of the proud – Proverbs
15:25
 What the bible says about “Pride” contd.

 Pride lies in the mouth of a fool – Proverbs 14:3

 A proud heart is an abomination to GOD – Proverbs 16:5
 Causes loss of glory – Daniel 5:20
 The proud shall be consumed – Malachi 4:1
 The proud is worthy of death – Romans 1:30-32
 Pride brings about GOD’s judgment – Isaiah 14:12-15
 Pride stirs up strife – Proverbs 28:25
 GOD commands us not to be proud – Jeremiah 13:15
In Conclusion pride an attitude of ones heart. It might not be
very obvious at the beginning but can grow to destroy. The fruit
of the Spirit is an important ingredient in helping one get rid of
pride.

The Holy Spirit who is very essential in our Christian walk today
can direct us and show us the ways in which we are exhibiting
this character.

As we walk with the Holy Spirit daily, He will guide us and

remove everything that is in us that does not glorify GOD.
Question and Answer session