Proverbs 16:18 Pride of Self–Not Good
“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall” (NIV).
We’ve all seen those who have been quite prideful, and we have also seen them “get their comeuppance.” Those who think they have it made, have a difficult time when they eventually fail, and we all fail sometime. They seem to think that it can’t happen to them. They obviously haven’t read Proverbs 16:18. The Message translation puts it in more direct terms: “First pride, then the crash—the bigger the ego he harder the fall.”
Those with big egos need to keep stoking it—need to keep building it up. Eventually when they look back, they will see, as Satchel Paige said, “Somebody might be gainin’ on you.” Big egos have to keep pushing their limits, and the time will come when they can’t quite match what their egos require. Failure happens to all of us. Trouble comes to all of us at some time, and we have to learn how to face it. The best way to face it is to recognize from the beginning who gives us our skills and abilities and give Him the credit.
Professional athletes are the most visible of those who reach a time when the body can no longer support the ego. It’s satisfying to see an athlete recognize the source of his power and ability, give God the glory, and thank Him for his success. His decline seems to be more graceful, and his past performance more appreciated.
The Bible has a warning for the prideful in Isaiah 2:12, saying: “For the day of the Lord of hosts shall come upon everything proud and lofty, upon everything lifted up– And it shall be brought low…” (NKJV). We all decline as we age, but for those who are grateful to God for what He has done for them, He provides great rewards in Heaven. Who would you rather be preparing rewards for you—God or men? And would you want your rewards to last a few years or for eternity?
There is nothing wrong with feeling satisfaction when we have done something well, as long as we remember who gave us the ability to do good work. We can have three reasons for feeling good about our successes. First, there is a natural satisfaction that comes with doing a job well. Second, we can feel good that we have been of service to our Lord and Savior. Third, we can be gratified that God has trusted us to do His work. It is good to be a tool in the hands of God.