“When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.”–Proverbs 11:2 The late Adrian Rogers once told a story that humorously shows the serious effects pride can have on a person. He told of a man who walked into a friend’s home, bruised and bleeding. When asked what had happened, the injured friend replied, “Well, I was walking down the street and was mugged by two thugs who wanted all of my money. I didn’t want to give it to them, so I fought them and fought them and fought them!” His friend then asked how much money he had on him when he was attacked. “Thirty-five cents,” he answered. “You fought for 35 cents?” his friend exclaimed. “Yes,” the wounded man answered. “I didn’t want to reveal my financial situation.”
We can laugh at this character’s irrational behavior, but how many times have we said or done something in an effort to conceal our true spiritual condition, financial state, or marital health?
The Bible tells us that “A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.” (Proverbs 29:23). A moment of humility will gain more respect than a lifetime of pride. Begin to live a humble life, moment by moment. (from Turning Point)
Satan’s number one weapon is pride. God’s number one defense is humility.
Larry Burkett
