Thought For Today: “The Destructive Power of Pride”

Pride was at the heart of the Edomite people. This is seen at the very outset of Obadiah’s vision.

“The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who dwell in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high; you who say in your heart, ‘Who will bring me down to the ground?’ Though you ascend as high as the eagle, and though you set your nest among the stars, from there I will bring you down,” says the Lord.” (Obadiah 1:3-4)

Solomon said that pride was the first thing that God hated the most.

“These six things the Lord hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: a proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren.” (Proverbs 6:16-19)

Notice now how God deals with pride as Obadiah goes on to say at the end of verse 4, “I will bring you down.” Solomon sums this up the best saying, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18)

The terrible thing about pride is how it traps and trips us up. Our only problem is that we don’t recognize it until it is too late. But Solomon gives us a way out of our prideful ways and condition. He said, “Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.” (Proverbs 16:19)