There are six things the LORD hates—no, seven things he detests: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, a false witness who pours out lies, a person who sows discord in a family. [Proverbs 6.16-19]
Here is our list of things to work on! It is quite a list too. But interestingly enough, the first thing on the list of things God hates is pride (haughty eyes).
Why is pride listed first? Is it just a coincidence? I don't think so.
Pride usually precedes all the other things God hates. It is because of pride that a person will lie. It is because of pride that a person murders another. It is because of pride that a person plots evil. It is because of pride that a person rebels. It is because of pride that a person is a false witness (very similar to the second thing God hates). It is because of pride that a person is a family troublemaker.
It is because of pride that Satan fell. It is because of pride that Adam and Eve fell. It is because of pride that we fall.
it is no wonder that society today so promotes "self." Nothing says "the world" is so godless more than this one thing - and yet, most don't even recognize it ("one has to look our for himself, right?").
Pride is all about self: self-preservation, self-promotion, self-help, self-love, self-seeking... you get the idea - pretty much everything our modern society promotes. Sadly, pride is the underlying force behind "rights" as we have become so accustomed to think everyone deserves (starting with ourselves!).
The Bible is clear (Jesus Himself said it) that there is no greater love than to lay down one's life for his friends. Pride, on the other hand, is self-preserving. So, perhaps while the opposite of pride is generally thought to be humility, it is, in fact, love. And likewise, the opposite of love, while it is generally thought to be hate, is, in fact, pride.
So, love equals humility and pride equals hate. We should give this some serious thought!
Father, I am reminded that Jesus humbled Himself that I might be exalted. Thank You! Forgive me for any thought of pride and self-promotion.
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