Galatians 5 provides a list of sins described as works of the flesh, and that list includes all kinds of sins proceeding from lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. They are described as “evident” (NKJV, NASB) or “manifest” (KJV, ASV); they are apparent and obvious. Ask a man if he has murdered or committed fornication, and he can answer with confidence one way or the other. But what about asking a man whether he is proud?
There is an insidious nature about pride. The word insidious originates from a Latin word that means “ambush,” which is quite telling and helpful, because things which are insidious are things which “spread harmfully in a subtle or stealthy manner” – “harmful in an imperceptible fashion.” This describes to a tee the great danger of pride – it often goes undetected by its possessor. The letter to the church in Laodicea reveals exactly this truth – that pride blinds its possessor to his real condition.
Jesus Christ tells that church, “Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’ – and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked – I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see” (Revelation 3:18). The church in Laodicea is described as proud. But saturated in pride, they were not seeing their true condition before God.
Pride thrives because of self-deception. In Obadiah’s prophecy against Edom, the descendants of Esau are told, “the pride of your heart has deceived you” (v.3)
Pride is much like the inherent problem with intoxicants. The person who claims he can partake of intoxicants such as beer and wine and know when he has been affected is relying on his own judgment that is being clouded by the very substance that he is claiming he can partake of. Do you see a problem here? You would not say that the adultery that a man is committing is deceiving him such that he does not realize he is committing adultery. But put intoxicants in place of adultery and you have a blinding effect. Put pride in place of adultery and you have a blinding effect wrought by pride itself.
It is no wonder that pride is the first in the list of seven things the Lord hates, that are an abomination: “haughty eyes” (Proverbs 6:17).
When Jesus taught the character of those who would come to the light of the gospel and enter the kingdom of heaven, at the top of the list was the opposite of pride: humility. “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3). In John 6:44-45, those who will come to the Father and be blessed with eternal life are those who are taught, those who have “heard and learned.” At its very core a disciple is defined as a “learner,” and humility of heart is required in order to be a learner who is taught.
Pride is the self-deceiving issue behind many a problem. Because of pride, the ears of many are closed to the truth. Associates who could help them by sharing the truth with them are unable to help them because their own pride stands in the way of hearing. Because of pride, many will not stand up for truth and righteousness, for they love the praise of men more than the praise of God. Because of pride, many will not “own” up to their own sin – admit and confess it to God and to others affected. Because of pride, some Christians flounder in a sea of indifference and apathy, like the Laodiceans, instead of being zealous for good works. Because of pride, many will not seek help or receive help, of whatever kind, when they desperately need it.
What’s the answer? The word of God is the “perfect law of liberty” (James 1:23-25) into which each of us must not only look but look continually and intensely, for it like a mirror for the soul, exposing ourselves down to the very core. “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). The word of God has the power to uncover and expose pride within us.
-Larry Jones