You may have heard the phrase, “pride comes before the fall”. If you have, you may be surprised to know that it is actually a biblical proverb from the book of Proverbs. In chapter 16, verses 18 and 19 it says:
“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Better to be lowly in spirit and among the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud.”
Have you ever wondered why this is true? Why pride can bring someone down? I think it is because we, as believers, should know that every good thing in our lives comes from the Father. And no one can share glory with the Father. If you read the Bible, you’ll realize that several people, even kings, when they tried to take credit for something God did died, or was severely punished, because of it. When we are prideful, we are taking credit for something that we have no right to claim. We puff ourselves up believing that it was our effort and ingenuity that brought about something good in our lives when in fact, God is the one to be praised because of it. Just as quickly as God can bring something wonderful in our lives, he can also take it away. And there is no greater humbling than to fall from a place of pride.
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We shouldn’t minimize the danger of pride. It is an unassuming sin because it doesn’t seem to affect anyone else or stand out among the more grievous sounding sins. But God hates a prideful heart, and he will share his glory with no one. So I encourage you to remember that when something good happens in your life, either as a result of something you’ve done directly or indirectly, give God the praise. He is the author of our destiny and the bringer of all that is good. To believe that the blessings given to us occur because of our own efforts is arrogant, prideful, and contrary to what the Bible teaches us. By recognizing God when things go well, we keep our pride in check, and we give glory to where glory is due.