Stubborn Pride

Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18, NIV).

Stubbornness. Each one of us has to deal with this issue at times–either in our own lives or in our relationships. Solomon, the writer of wise proverbs, had quite a bit to say on the subject. He called stubbornness “pride”, and he wrote about what happens as a result. If I have a prideful and stubborn spirit, then I set myself up for failure. With pride comes an “I have to have my own way” attitude. If someone suggests another way, there is no room for consideration or compromise. Pride says, “I have all the answers, and I know what is best.”

“Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom,” Solomon declares (Proverbs 11:2, NLT). Pride will bring embarrassment, shame, and reproach. It will destroy any good that I might have to offer. The Lord hates pride and the arrogance it imparts, (Proverbs 8:13). If I have an humble attitude, I will have a teachable spirit that is able to learn wisdom. God can't teach me anything if I believe that my way is best. “A fool’s mouth lashes out with pride, but the lips of the wise protect them” (Proverbs 14:3, NIV). This verse equates pride with foolishness. God can't protect me from my own foolishness, if I will not listen. In my pride I have no regard for consequences, because I have a point to make. If I must continually be right and must make my point known, arguments will rise up, and cause strife. “Pride leads to conflict; those who take advice are wise,” Solomon wrote (Proverbs 13:10, NLT). If I am filled with stubborn pride, then I demand my own way, and miss protection from those who offer wisdom. However, if I will listen with humility and a teachable spirit, I will take wise advise and avoid “my fall”. I will avoid shame and reproach. 

Life is about my relationships with others, my attitudes, and if I am willing to surrender or not. It is important that I continually seek an humble attitude in my Christian life. Daily I need His grace to humble me so that I realize I don't have all the right answers. I must never have an “I told you so” attitude. I must have the heart and attitude of Christ, who became a servant, and gave His life for me (Philippians 2:6-8). With a teachable spirit, my mind and my attitudes can be changed (Romans 12:1-2). It is my decision or not if the cost of His life is great enough to change mine.