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Pride
Nothing is more detestable in God’s sight than pride on the part of those who have absolutely nothing to be proud of. “These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look …” (Proverbs 6:16-17). This was the condemnation of the devil — self-exaltation. In another, how hateful we instinctively see it to be; but in ourselves, how readily and almost unconsciously it is tolerated.
In any case, it certainly indicates a lack of brokenness and self-judgment before God. The Bible teaches that lowliness of mind is an indication of true wisdom. “When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom” (Proverbs 11:12). It indicates a person who has learned to judge himself aright in the presence of God.
The Bible also teaches that pride is the sole source of contention. “Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom” (Proverbs 13:10). If pride were properly judged and the sin of it frankly owned before God, how soon would much that has caused contention, controversy, and competition amongst Christians be resolved.
(Adapted from H. A. Ironside and augmented.)
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