Pridefulness is NOT So Pretty!

Note: All Scripture for this devotional is taken from the King James Bible

The prideful person often thinks that everyone is looking at them with ardent admiration but in truth…

Everyone is actually looking at the big ugly mark on their face. It’s called PRIDE!

I recently taught the parable of the Pharisee and the Publican (Luke 18:9-14) in our 5th & 6th grade Sunday School class.  The Pharisee was of the religious sect among the Jews. They considered themselves pretty righteous and better than others.

They looked rather great from the outside, after all, they followed some of the strict ceremonies and traditions of the elders.

In this parable, the Pharisee prayed openly to be heard of others around them. He prayed loudly…

“God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.” (Luke 18:11 and12)

In truth, the Pharisee had a heart full of pride.

Question: Are we so busy polishing up the outward appearance that we’re neglecting cleaning up our prideful heart?

Pretending to be what we are not stems from a prideful heart.

Boasting about our accomplishments is motivated by a prideful heart.

Doing things simply for the show is derived from a prideful heart.

There are people putting on a good show, but the Bible says they’re DECEIVING themselves.

Galatians 6:3 says, “For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.”

Jeremiah 9:23 says, “Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches:”

Let’s dig a bit deeper about the arrogant individual…

Ever seen someone who seems to muster up arguments, commotion, and drama everywhere they go?

Contention is stoked from a prideful heart!

Proverbs 13:10 says, “Only by PRIDE cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.”

I’m telling you – it’s NOT pleasant to be around a contentious person. PRIDE bears no inward beauty!

Now, for a quick, mini English lesson:  The antonym of “Pridefulness” is “Humbleness.”

From the parable in Luke 18, we see the Publican with the humble heart…

Luke 18:13 says, “And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.”

Jesus then says in verse 14, “I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.”

There’s something so sweet and beautiful about a humble spirit.

The Bible says that the humble person will have wisdom (yes, they’re teachable…and they listen more than talk) and God gives them grace.

“When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.” (Proverbs 11:2)

“But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” (James 4:6)

Humbleness will cause you to exhibit a quiet meekness and to listen and learn.

The loud boastful person, who talks way more than he listens has a prideful heart.  But, the Bible says that a “meek and quiet spirit” is quite valuable to God.

“But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.” (First Peter 1:4)

The world says “meekness is weakness.” The world seems to flaunt loudness, obnoxiousness, and rudeness as a grand trait.

Take caution! This isn’t what God’s Word demonstrates as a desirable quality!

Drawing attention to ourselves is not meekness. And following all the religious rituals doesn’t mean we have a spiritual heart either.

So, today, what do I consider as a pretty lady?

Colossians 3:12 to 15 sums it up well:

“Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;”

“Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.”

“And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.”

“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.”

A merciful heart of kindness, humbleness, meekness, longsuffering, forgiveness, love, and gratefulness are perfectly beautiful!

Let’s grow more beautiful this year!  

Build a closer relationship with God! Grow more like Him by reading His Word faithfully.

Keep walking in faith,

Rhonda White