During the Middle Ages a group of monks dedicated themselves to love God with all their hearts, minds and souls (Mathew 22:36-37). They wanted to know what drew them to God, and what drew mankind away from God at the beginning of life. So, drawing from the Book of Proverbs, the monks compiled a list of basic sins from which all other sins originate… “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” (6:16). These came to be known as ‘The Seven Deadly Sins’. 
 
At the top of their list was “a proud look.” God hates this sin above all others because it describes people who are so full of pride it shows in their eyes – It’s the worst sin of all as it’s the root of every other sin. Consider the following:The Description of Pride – Pride is the ‘original’ sin. Pride is arrogance, or having an excessive view of oneself without regard for others. ‘Pride’ is the word that best describes Satan. In the Book of Isaiah, directed at Satan, God said… “For you have said in your heart: I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God, I will also sit on the mount of the congregation on the farthest sides of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most-High” (14:13-14).

Friends, reflecting the very character of Satan, sinful mankind make their own rules and live according to their own morals and standards. They are driven by pride to be ‘god’ of their lives.

The Danger of Pride – Pride is the cause of most problems in life and injures us in at least four ways: Spiritually – Proverbs says, everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord (16:5); Relationally – Pride makes us demanding and uncompromising. It’s what damages and destroys relationships… By pride comes nothing but strife, but with the well-advised is wisdom (13:10).

Emotionally – Pride causes us to look successful to impress others. It makes us want to keep up with the Joneses (Luke 12:15); Financially – Pride results in personal debt – one of the greatest concerns in the western world today?  

The Destruction of Pride – The only thing that can eradicate pride from the human heart is humility. To destroy the worst of all sins we must firstly, through God’s help, recognise and acknowledge pride in our hearts (Psalm 139:23-24); secondly, remember that God is the source of all blessings (1 Timothy 6:17); and, thirdly, replace selfishness with service (Luke 22:24, John 13:5). 

Jesus was the only Person who didn’t have a problem with pride. He didn’t have to prove anything or impress anyone and was therefore free to serve His Heavenly Father, and mankind. Pride causes insecurity, and insecure people can’t serve others because they desire to be served or to be in the spotlight. Pride is not a virtue! It’s the most serious of diabolical contaminates that mars the image of God in our lives.
 
“Pride goes before destruction; humility precedes honour” (Prov. 18:12).
 
Best wishes
Bill Joukhadar