“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall” (16:18). Pride is the compulsion we feel to climb higher than others and look down on them. It is the desire to validate oneself by comparison to another. In pride we covet higher regard, higher status, higher authority and so forth. The problem is that our pride will compel us to climb to heights that our character lacks strength to negotiate safely. It is a bit like climbing the mast of a tall ship at sea. To do this you must ascend a rope ‘ladder’ that gets narrower as you get higher. At the very top of the mast the rigging is very narrow, and it is therefore more difficult to get a firm hold on your position. Add to this the inevitable sway of the ship which is more pronounced as you get higher. The wind also gets stronger the higher you go. Does this make you want to climb a ship’s mast? You would be right to be cautious and even hesitant about this. You should also hesitate to assume that you are ready for positions of authority. You may be called to this, and, if so, you should step up with great care and hold onto God tighter because it’s extra dangerous up there. If, however, you covet a position of power out of pride, then you will be bound to fall. Don’t covet high positions for their own sake, for, as the next proverb says: “Better to be lowly in spirit and among the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud” (16:19).
Have you stepped up on to a pedestal in any situation lately. Ask God to help you live humbly.
Read Proverbs 16:18-22
