Introduction

Several years ago, a preacher friend of mine shared a story of an occurrence in a bible class he was teaching. This one man had a habit of showing how proud he was whenever he answered a question correct. When called on, and he gave the correct answer, he would turn to the rest of the group with a smug look on his face as if to say, “Another right answer for me!”

This is one of the things that God hates; a proud look. An attitude like this displays a lack of humility. In this article, we’ll look at some examples in scripture and share what Christians can do about it.

Definition

The 1828 Webster’s Dictionary defines the word ‘Pride’ as 1. Inordinate self-esteem; an unreasonable conceit of one’s own superiority in talents, beauty, wealth, accomplishments, rank or elevation in office, which manifests itself in lofty airs, distance, reserve, and often in contempt of others.

It also means, 3. Generous elation of heart; a noble self-esteem springing from a consciousness of worth.

It’s all right to take pride in something you’ve accomplished provided you don’t let it consume you to the point of talking about nothing else but your one accomplishment. Lots of people are proud of the work they do, but when you boast about it, then it becomes a problem.

Bible Example in O.T.

After the period of the Judges, the Israelites decided that they want to be ruled by a king just like the other nations around them (1 Sam. 8:4-9). The first to be chosen as King of Israel was a man named Saul (1 Sam. 9:2, 17). On the day that he was to be pronounced king, he was nowhere to be found (1 Sam. 10:20-23). Presumably a shy, and humble, individual, his behavior soon changed once he became king.

One of the best examples of Saul’s pride is found 1 Sam. 15. God had commanded him to utterly destroy all of the Amalekites (vs. 1-3). Saul gathered an army to do as such, but the outcome wasn’t as expected. As you can see in verses 8 and 9, He also took Agag king of the Amalekites alive, and utterly destroyed all the people with the edge of the sword. But Saul and the people spared Agag and the best of the sheep, the oxen, the fatlings, the lambs, and all that was good, and were unwilling to utterly destroy them. But everything despised and worthless, that they utterly destroyed.

But it gets worse, when he meets up with Samuel, he proudly claims that he did all that he was asked (vs. 12-13). Naturally, Samuel knew he was lying as the sounds of the livestock were very distinctive. Saul attempted to shift the blame by claiming that the people were the ones who wanted to spare them (vs. 21).

Samuel stated that rebellion was a sin as great as witchcraft (vs. 23). Saul had begged for forgiveness but Samuel knew that this one “the final straw”. Here’s the conclusion to that scene, But Samuel said to Saul, “I will not return with you, for you have rejected the word of the LORD, and the LORD has rejected you from being king over Israel.” And as Samuel turned around to go away, Saul seized the edge of his robe, and it tore. So Samuel said to him, “The LORD has torn the kingdom of Israel from you today, and has given it to a neighbor of yours, who is better than you. (1 Samuel 15:26-28)

Bible Example in N.T.

In the New Testament, the perfect example of those with a proud look would be the Pharisees. All through His ministry, Jesus used them as examples of what NOT to do. Matthew 6 has three examples. For this article, I want to look at the parable from Luke 18…

Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men–extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.’” (vs. 9-12)

Look closely at what the pharisee says in these verses. He’s using the personal pronoun, ‘I’ numerous times. What he’s essentially saying is, “God, you are so lucky to have me as one of your worshippers. Look at all of the things that I do for you. Be thankful that I’m not like that guy over there!”

What Should Christians Do?

To avoid being prideful, as these two examples (and many others) show, you must humble yourself, not only before God, but also before those you come in contact with on a daily basis. This is not to say that you become the World’s Doormat but, rather, do not let your own emotions take control of any given situation. There is a fine line between helping someone in need and being taken advantage of by someone who knows you’re not one to say, “no”.

Going back to the parable of Luke 18, here’s what Jesus said in regard to the tax collector, “And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (vs. 13-14) This man was more concerned about his sin, and what he needed to do, rather than what he has done for the Lord.

Another example is to do what is asked of you and not expect anything in return. Jesus shares this in Luke 17…

“And which of you, having a servant plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the field, ‘Come at once and sit down to eat’? But will he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare something for my supper, and gird yourself and serve me till I have eaten and drunk, and afterward you will eat and drink’? Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I think not. So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.’” (vs. 7-10)

We are a society that expects additional compensation for our work. Whether it be a compliment, or in monetary form, some will cringe at the idea of just doing the job, getting paid, and not expecting more.

Conclusion

Proverbs 11:2, When pride comes, then comes shame; But with the humble is wisdom. Putting others needs first, before your own, is a good way to avoid the proud look.

As the psalmist, David, wrote, LORD, my heart is not haughty, Nor my eyes lofty. Neither do I concern myself with great matters, Nor with things too profound for me. (Psalms 131:1)

James wrote, But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6)

Jesus said, “For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.” (John 6:38)

Our savior wasn’t prideful. He left Heaven, taking the form of a man, and did what was required of Him by The Father. As the apostle Paul wrote, For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends. (2 Corinthians 10:18) Let’s keep these thoughts in mind.