The Truth About Pride and Our Need for Humility
What is the truth about pride?
Solomon wrote…
Pride leads to disgrace,
Proverbs 11:2
but with humility comes wisdom.
It’s not easy to live with humility in a culture that tells us to put ourselves first and follow our own truth … and also promotes the belief that our feelings define our reality.
I decided to look up the definition of pride and found the following…
- 1. A high or inordinate opinion of one’s own dignity, importance, merit, or superiority, whether as cherished in the mind or as displayed in bearing, conduct, etc.
But I also found…
2. Reasonable self-esteem: confidence and satisfaction in oneself: SELF-RESPECT.
I believe that the second definition is the one being encouraged by culture but the first definition is the truth about pride that Solomon was addressing.
Psalm 131 begins with these words…
Lord, my heart is not proud;
Psalm 131:1
my eyes are not haughty.
I don’t concern myself with matters too great
or too awesome for me to grasp.
David is believed to be the writer of these words and I believe he was saying … I don’t pridefully think of myself as being better than others and because I don’t know all of the details of their lives I won’t “concern myself” with what I don’t understand.
The Life Application Bible Notes say, “Pride results from overvaluing ourselves above others… By contrast, humility puts others first and allows us to be content with God’s leading in our lives.”
A Living Example of God-Honoring Humility
I‘d like to tell you about Tilden and Loretta. They were members of the small congregation we served years ago.
Tilden welcomed everyone with a big ol’ bear hug and the words, “Do you how much Jesus loves you?”
Whatever your answer, he and his dear wife were prepared to show you. Whether it was setting up or taking down chairs, washing dishes, visiting someone who was sick, sharing a meal, or anything else . . . Tilden and Loretta were willing to serve.
They weren’t looking for big assignments that came with pats on the back and lots of recognition; they did the small tasks that most people ran from. They took the lowest place.
Luke 14:7–10 says…
When Jesus noticed that all who had come to the dinner were trying to sit in the seats of honor near the head of the table, He gave them this advice:
Don’t sit in the seat of honor. What if someone who is more distinguished than you has also been invited? The host will come and say, ‘Give this person your seat.’ Then you will be embarrassed.
“Instead, take the lowest place at the foot of the table.“
The best part . . . the thing that I remember most about Tilden and Loretta is their joy. They just bubbled with the joy that comes from knowing and loving Jesus. Their contagious joy rubbed off on everyone around them. They were humble, content, and joyful following Jesus.
And I believe one of their secrets was a short prayer Tilden lifted to the Lord each morning…
Yes! I surrender this day to God. I will follow where He guides and I will do His will as He reveals it to me. Amen.
I wish I had a picture of these two humble giants of faith to share with you. But maybe it’s okay. Maybe there is a face you can put with my memories. Maybe you know precious God-given blessings like Tilden and Loretta.
Let’s pray…
A Prayer to Know the Truth About Pride
and to Live with Humility
Father, the truth about pride that You want Your children to know is that it leads to disappointment, discouragement, and dissatisfaction. Your Word tells us that pride leads to disgrace and humility opens us up to wisdom. Humility helps us open our hearts and minds to Your truth about faith and life.
Your Son, Jesus, is King of kings and Lord of lords yet, He humbled Himself and took on the form of a servant to make it possible for sinners like me to be forgiven and live with You forever and always. He is the Shepherd who cares for Your “sheep.” He came and lived among us and showed us what it means to love with care and compassion.
Father, thank you for people like Tilden and Loretta, who show us what it looks like to be living examples of humble love … people who don’t just talk about Your love but who actively live it in everything they do.
I’m sorry, Lord, for the times I’ve listened to a culture that tells me to put myself first when You tell me to put others first. Please forgive me. Teach me the truth about pride and by Your grace, give me the wisdom that comes through humility … wisdom to serve in love and live with contentment and joy. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
I want to be humbly content to follow where the Lord leads me and I want to do it with a heart full of joy.
And I believe that’s only possible when I pray and live the words Tilden taught years ago…
I surrender this day to God. I will follow where He guides and I will do His will as He reveals it to me. Amen.
You see if you and I are not following God’s guidance and doing His will with the help of His Spirit, we will give in to cultural pride.
I truly believe that the truth about pride is that it makes people miserable. When you and I are completely focused on ourselves and comparing ourselves with others … it’s impossible to have the contentment and joy the Lord wants for us.
Psalm 131 ends with these words…
Put your hope in the Lord—
Psalm 131:3
now and always.
It’s a command to the people of Israel but it applies to us all.
So, may we put our hope in the Lord, surrender our lives to Him in humility, and watch Him fill our hearts with the contentment and joy the enemy wants us to look for in all the wrong places.
God bless you and fill you with humble love and joy today and always.
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Yes, Deb, I’ve been blessed to know people like Tilden and Loretta. May we all humble ourselves before the Lord, seeking His ways and His will for our lives.
Blessings!
Amen, Martha! What a blessing it would be if all God’s children loved well and focused on glorifying Him with humble service. Thank you for being such a faithful encourager! Blessings and hugs!
Wish everyone could read your post today, Deb! Culture these days pushes nothing but pride and haughtiness! I will continue to give God the glory for all things, for without Him, I can do nothing.
And when I think of those I know who are like Tilden and Loretta, I see you and Rev! I can imagine the two of you being anything but loving, giving, mindful, helpful, and humble!! You sure do that for all of us here!! Hope you’re having a blessed day! Hugs and love
Thanks, Kathy! The enemy pushes us to focus on ourselves and I believe that is the source of our pride. Then culture idolizes fame and celebrity which promotes pride and selfishness as well. You’re kind to compare Rev and me to Tilden and Loretta. They were truly loved mentors in our lives. He would grab Rev by the collar every week, look him in the eyes, and say … “Do you know I pray for you every single day?” Their faith and love was a true blessing to a couple of kids in ministry. Blessings and hugs, dear friend!
Oh sweet Deb! I am sure Tilden and Loretta were very sent specifically to you and Rev as special mentors and beloved friends at the moment God knew you needed them! And what wonderful memories and all that love you share with so many now!! And I hope you know how wonderful I think you are, though I did leave out ‘t after the word can! I can’t imagine You and Rev being anythg but loving…
Im sure you knew what I meant to say!
And thank you so much for your sweet reply! I guess I am one that trys to think the best of everyone and that everyone has a bit of love and goodness in them, but I am beginning to see less and less of love and goodness in this culture of today! I pray for all lost souls constantly.
Oh what a Heavenly Home they will miss out on! Blessings for a wonderful sleep tonight and a glorious day with God tomorrow! Love you! Praying for Rev and all the family…
You could have left off the ‘t. You probably should have. Ha. I know I can have my moments and I imagine there are a few people who can imagine or have experienced me being less the loving. 🙂 Thanks my dear friend, you always brighten my day!
Mama used to quote the verse, “Pride comes before a fall!” Haughtiness is a big enemy of our culture. I agree with you 100% and with Kathy and Martha. Blessings and hugs my friend.
Your Mama sounds like a wise woman. Hope you’re having a great week. Hugs to you!!
Deb,
Yes, mama was a wise lady. I miss her. Thank you so much for being the sweet person you are. You encourage me every day. I look forward to your blog and your wisdom. I am truly blessed by you and by your caring friendship. I pray for you and Rev so much. I know that you two have been “mentors” to many too! Just like your friends Tilden and Loretta! It is so good to have people like that in our lives.
In grattitude and love,
Sue
Blessings sweet friend! And I agree with Deb, your mom was indeed wise. Pride is rampant these days! It is strange to me in away, I suffered from low self esteem all my life and still do sometimes. But i know God loves me and and that gives me everything I need. I pray you are well and happy. I still don’t have my email fixed. Another busy week! Ken has a sinus infection but has still worked late every night. I am physically exhausted and ready to be done already! This house has good ole bones, but shew! It does not go like the shows on HGTV! 😣 Love and hugs sweet lady!! Say a prayer for me and I keep you in my prayers too!
Blessings!
Kathy,
Thank you! You are so sweet and caring. You always make me smile and bring joy to my heart.
Yes, Mama was a wise lady and she worked hard most of her life. I miss her every day. Sometimes, I don’t think mama realized how much I loved her. But, I sure did and still do.
I am grateful for you and for Deb. You both bring so much encouragement to me and I truly appreciate you both. Maybe one day we can indeed exchange the email addresses and share on a daily basis. I look forward to it.
I know that this has been an especially busy time for you. Lots on your plate. I do hope that Ken will feel better soon. I know one thing for sure; he has a good lady taking care of him!! You are precious to me and precious and honored to God.
Much love and sunshine, Sue
What beautiful words and prayers to helps live our lives with a pride of dignity and humility for others and not our selves. God give me your grace, wisdom, knowledge and patience to always do your will with the Holy Spirit. Give me your humbleness and love for others. Thank you Deb for wonderful words of encouragement to help always trust in God in our life’s.
Thank you, Ana! I join you in asking the Lord to fill me with His grace, wisdom, knowledge, and patience. What a wonderful Father – that we can go to Him and ask for His help when we feel we need an extra dose of the God-honoring blessings in our lives. Have a wonderful day!
Hello Deb
Thank you for another wonderful blog, your words bring joy to my heart, I too have known in my past and now also know people like the couple you speak of, sorry there names escape me.
How much of a blessing it is to know such folk, they are a true inspiration.
Thank you Deb for all you share for all your time and care that you give to us all, may God richly bless you and Rev and give you back three fold the energy you use doing your writing. In Jesus wonderful , Amazing Glorious Name Amen
Thank you for your sweet encouragement, Mary! I love being able to do this. It is a blessing to have had loving caring mentors in our lives. They are living examples of God’s love. May He be with you and bless you abundantly.