Proverbs 16:5

The book of Proverbs gives us a lot of instruction on a lot of different subjects. One subject that can keep us in God’s wisdom is Godly Follower-ship. Who we follow; where we follow; how we follow are all spoken about in Proverbs. Here is one of them about being proud in our heart:

Proverbs 16:5

Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord;

Assuredly, he will not be unpunished.

We seldom remember or take this proverb to heart.   Pride is the one thing that will separate us from God faster than any other sin.  Eve was tempted to eat the fruit in the garden because Satan told her she would be like God.  Satan was tossed out of heaven because he desired to be like God.   David fell into sin with a women because, as King, he thought he could have anything he wanted.   King Nebuchadnezzar allowed his pride to lift him up and he was soon eating grass like a cow in the field.  Pride is so, so subtle. In our society we want our children to be proud of themselves.  We want them to have confidence in themselves.   Yet, it is that very pride and confidence we later condemn and control when they attempt to live their life separate from our moral code or framework.  But, worse, pride is an "abomination" to the Lord.   That is a very, very strong word.    Pride is "detestable" to God.  Mankind promotes it but God despises it.  When man thinks so highly of himself he takes away the glory due God.   When we think we have done something really great and really awesome it is really God giving us the ability to do this.   Let's rejoice in what God does in us and for us and let's be alert to pride as it creeps into our lives no matter who pretty it makes itself out to be.  Pride prevents us from confessing sin.  Pride hinders us from recognizing needs in our life.  Pride is the downfall for those who think too highly of themselves.