A PROUD LOOK.
Alexander Whyte said “It is out of self-love that all other evil passions spring,” so we must assume that God mentioned it first for a reason. “A friend was really tired of hearing Muhamad Ali boast about his physical prowess. His constant claiming ‘I am the best!’ was wearing thin. So a colleague asked him how he did at golf. Ali replied, ‘I’m the best. I just haven’t played yet.’”[1] Haughty eyes (Psalm 131:1) are the result of an arrogant heart and it is the majority who live in this sin (Proverbs 30:13). Pride is nothing to be proud of![2]
An Explanation. The word “proud,” “pride,” and “haughty” appear over 100 times in the Scriptures. What is pride? As “Uncle” Bud Robinson said, “Pride is the only disease known to man that makes everyone else sick except the one who has it.” The best definition of pride was probably given by Paul when he said that men would be “lovers of their own selves” (2 Timothy 3:2). Pride is the mental decision to place oneself above others. It seeks to elevate self (Romans 12:3; 15:1) and abase others. Its first question is always, “what is good for me,” not “what will help my neighbor?” While the petals may appear in different colors, the root is always selfishness. Pridefulness is a gateway to every other sin. There are different areas in which one may be prideful.
Education (1 Corinthians 1:19-20). Some are puffed up because of their deep degrees and high knowledge. Be watchful for subtle pridefulness too. Some use their humility to boost their pride. One’s bachelors, masters, or doctorate degrees will hold no value before Jesus on that great day. It is better to recognize what one has to learn (Proverbs 30:1-3) than to gloat about what one knows.
Mistakes (1 John 1:8). Some are so high on the mountain that they believe the river of mistakes cannot reach them. Excuses are given when confronted with a mistake and if that doesn’t work, they begin to justify their sin. One little boy asked his dad, “dad why don’t you confess your sins at night in our prayers?” The father responded, “I would son, if I had any!”[3]
Accomplishments (Matthew 6:1-4). “‘Did you notice how we shook that bridge?’—a flea to the elephant he was riding after crossing an old bridge.”[4] Some are not shy to take the credit for something they did and even for things they did not do. One’s accomplishments backed with pride receive nothing but a pat on the back from man and a refusal from entrance into heaven from Jesus.
Religion (1 Timothy 6:5). B.W. Johnson tells of a Rabbi who “said, that if there were only thirty religious men in the world like Abraham, he and his son would be two of them; if only two, he and his son would be those; and if only one, that would be himself.” Some are so religious that they try to be more religious than God Himself![5] Every aspect about their religion is fake, for their own pride, and to boost their own ego. Such a religion is a farce.
Pride is nothing more than a haughty search in all areas of life to fulfill the “I love me,”[6] quest.
An Illustration (Luke 18:9-14). The Pharisees were nothing more than popular prideful persons who promoted their own pridefulness. Even religion was made an act of arrogancy. Jesus’ parable accurately described the situation between Pharisees and Publicans at that time. From this illustration we learn
Pride always likes to gain attention. The Pharisee “stood” which shows his craving for other eyes. We must wonder if he chose the most populous area and looked over his shoulder to see if anyone was watching (cf. Matthew 6:5). How often do we seek for an audience?
Pride always puts down others. The purpose is to boost self. Recognition of another’s deeds may make oneself feel bad, so he must pick a part every speck of imperfection of another.
Pride always talks good about self. Narcissists will only worry about what is good for them and could write a book entitled “What I Have Done.” The Pharisee uses five personal pronouns and describes his “wonderful” religious acts. The next time you are in a conversation with someone, observe if all you talk about is you! Too, be careful of talking about yourself so highly that your mountain will begin to crumble because of the unsolved issues you left behind.
Applicational Reminders. While pride is the common vice in the modern-day world, it is a target at which God aims His destructive arrow. How can we have a humble look instead of a prideful one?
Let someone else talk about you (Proverbs 27:2; cf. 25:27). Don’t write an autobiography, let someone else write the book for you.
Don’t climb the highest mountain (Romans 12:3; Ephesians 4:1-2). The downfall will be greater the higher the mountain you climb.
Remember that being poor is better (Matthew 5:3). The rich in faith are the poor in heart.
Give someone else a boost (Philippians 2:3-4). Always seek to put others before self.
God is so concerned about this sin that a nation was destroyed because of their indulgence in it (Obadiah; cf. Proverbs 16:18). Ultimately God sets Himself against the arrogant (1 Peter 5:5). Why does God hate pride? Because it makes self the focus of worship instead of Him (Exodus 20:3; Psalm 10:4).
[1]Michael Hodgin, 1001 Humorous Illustrations For Public Speaking, Zondervan, 1994, 280.
[2]https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/intimacy-path-toward-spirituality/201506/why-pride-is-nothing-be-proud
[3]Idea from Leroy Brownlow in his book entitled “Greatest Questions in the New Testament, page 22.
[4]Robert J. Morgan, Preacher’s Sourcebook of Creative Sermon Illustrations, Thomas Nelson, 2007, 633.
[5]Another person.