“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

— James 4:6 (ESV)

I once heard someone say, The devil does not spend time troubling a proud person, because God Himself is already against that person. When God stands against someone, he or she is surely heading toward destruction—without any effort from the enemy.

Even in history, we rarely see the proud end their legacy well.

The Bible clearly records the dangers of pride and its consequences. The most intelligent, beautiful, admired one—Lucifer (meaning morning star)—who dwelt in the presence of God and was a cherub with honor, guarding the throne of God, was cast out of his dwelling place because of pride. God hates pride and opposes those who carry it in their hearts.

The Bible also records a king named Uzziah who feared the Lord and walked in His ways. God was pleased with him, and whatever the king sought to do, the Lord made him prosper. His fame spread far and wide. With the wisdom and favor of God, he built towers and gates, cut out cisterns, gathered large herds, appointed farmers and vinedressers, and even invented machines designed by skillful men. He grew stronger and stronger in every area of his life.

But the Bible says, “When he was strong, he grew proud, to his destruction.” His pride made him unfaithful to God.

Uzziah’s heart became so lifted up that he overstepped his authority. He entered the temple of the Lord to burn incense—an act appointed by God only for the priests. When the priests confronted him, he became angry. And while he was raging against them, leprosy broke out on his forehead and quickly spread. Seeing this, he hurried out of the temple. Because of his leprosy, he lived in a separate house until the day of his death.

Pride does not announce its arrival. It slips in quietly, like a cancer, and overtakes a person before they even realize it. The Bible describes pride as self-worship, self-exaltation, seeking one’s own glory, and placing oneself equal to or above God. A prideful heart is accompanied by haughtiness and looks down on others.

No one is exempt from the infection of pride. Even a religious person can become prideful. In this story, the king had not even completed the prideful act; yet the Lord judged the pride that had already formed in his heart.

The Bible teaches us to be poor in spirit, clothed with humility, honoring God in every circumstance, and seeking Him in all things. In our own strength, it is impossible to crucify the flesh. We need the help of the Holy Spirit to convict us, correct us, and keep us aligned with God the Father.

Prayer:

Father God, search my heart and remove every seed of pride hidden within me. Clothe me with true humility and keep me dependent on You in all things. Guard me from self-exaltation and teach me to walk in obedience and reverence before You. Holy Spirit, convict and correct me when my heart begins to rise above Your will. Let Your grace rest upon me as I choose humility. In Jesus’ name, Amen.