Pride corrupts power, great skill, wealth, beauty, and wisdom. The insidious work of pride rises from a faulty belief. When we think our knowledge, our beauty, our influence, our abilities, or our belongings come from ourselves, we believe a lie.
The Bible clearly teaches that every good thing we possess comes from God. Paul challenged the Corinthian church when they bragged that one person was better than another. “For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?” (1 Corinthians 4:7).
We fall into the trap of pride when we trust in the gift — beauty, skill, wisdom — rather than the Giver, God Almighty. Let us heed Ezekiel’s warning by humbly acknowledging that our abilities and advantages come from God.
Holy God, You are the giver of all good gifts. Everything I have and everything I am comes from you. Forgive me for thinking that I produced or earned or deserved anything I have. Keep me from pride. Amen.
Consider this — Read Proverbs 3:34, James 4:6, and 1 Peter 5:5 How does God deal with proud people?
