| “These six things doth the Lord hate … a proud look” (Proverbs 6:16-17). |
| “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world” (1 John 2:16). |
| We have spoken about pride before, but it is good to mention it again, as it is a big problem in this world. It is one of the oldest sins, for it was pride that caused the fall of Satan, even before man was created in this world. It was partly pride that Satan used to deceive Eve in the Garden of Eden, for he told her that the forbidden fruit on the tree of the knowledge of good and evil would make her wise. Her pride responded to that. Since that time, man has been characterized by pride, and it is one of the characteristics of the world system that Cain started, after he had killed his brother Abel. |
| Why is pride so wrong? It is because pride takes away from the glory that belongs to God, and gives it to man. Man, as a creature, has no right to be proud. Everything he has, whether it is his health, his brain, his resources, his various abilities — all have been given to him by God. He has no reason to be proud of it. |
| The pride of man will eventually reach its height after all Christians have been called home to be with the Lord. Man will become so filled with himself that he will actually think he is capable of fighting against God. Of course, he will be thoroughly defeated, but his pride will lead him to that awful point. Truly, every form of pride is wrong, and ought to be condemned. |
| But some will say, Should I not be proud of my good work, or my neat and tidy appearance? No, for that is being occupied with yourself. If we remember that we belong to Christ, and want to do everything for Him, we will do good work, and be careful about our appearance, but it will not be for pride. We do it because we represent Christ in this world. |
