Thoughts on the topic of pride from the book of wisdom

The book of Proverbs has much to say about the topic of pride. Let’s dive into the wisdom of Proverbs for a few moments.

Let’s read a verse and consider the message.

Proverbs 1:7

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.

As a young man, I was headstrong and determined to do the right thing, to be the Christian that does it right. I poured myself into study, thinking that knowledge was the path to holiness, that without knowledge of the will of God, there was no sanctification, no pleasing of the Father.

Naturally, I am a student at heart, and this desire was conveniently matching my inclinations. So during my first few years as a husband and eventually the father of a youngin, I dove into an environment that catered to this inclination.

Until John. John is a brother that had the strength to address my failing as a father and husband, due to what I called my “necessary” study time. Nevertheless, John confronted me and for that I am thankful, but what I would like to settle on in this post is the option provided in our verse of despising wisdom and instruction.

I will not reveal my reaction to John’s instruction, but it does recall to mind a few times where I provided a bit of instruction, given with humility to others and yet has been rejected. As I recall a number of these times, it turns out that the one receiving the knowledge generally reacts emotionally, claiming I don’t think of them as good Christians, or that I think I am better than them.

Red herrings!

The attack, or rejection of the comment is the result of pride, and is a rejection of possible good counsel!

If the counsel is provided in the right spirit, this reaction is from a heart of pride. Dang, even if the counsel is given by a poor or wrong spirit, the receiver, if he or she is living in a humble and contrite spirt, will naturally consider the instruction.

Have you had a friend, or even a foe, speak to you about a failing, a point of weakness, or just a general rebuke, and you have been offended? Pride!

As my wife sometimes says, Get over yourself!

A fool is one who despises wisdom and instruction. Proverbs does not describe the fool as one who simply rejects wisdom and instruction. No no no. Despise it! Hate it.

Counsel is not considered or given a time for judgement, to discern any truth to it, no matter the sting associated with it. No – the counsel is despised immediately, for pride of life will not allow truth to impact the self.

This attitude provides walls within families, and amongst friends, coworkers and acquaintances. I can not force this attitude of humility and gentleness of heart upon any in my world.

The only success I have had with others when I sense I need to talk to them is to approach them, after prayer, and with a humble humble heart, address the situation with a loving and gentle heart myself. My own understanding of my weakness, sin and general rebellion of truth is critical for the sake of others, for their acceptance of my counsel, whether my counsel is true or not.

The book of Galatians speaks of this attitude in interrelational restoration with much greater clarity than I can, so I will leave my gentle reader with a final bit of counsel.

Galatians 5:25-6:1 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.

If someone comes to you with a counsel, be wise and consider it, even if it stings. Ask the father to give strength to accept it after your understand the counsel, for it is wise to ask the brother questions of the counsel in order to understand his concern.

If you are called upon to provide counsel, get right with God before you do. Seek humility, seek gentleness, seek a heart that is soft to the brother’s condition, for we all are struggling with sin.

Follow after the One who described Himself as meek and lowly of heart, even as you discuss counsel with your brother.

Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion.

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Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion.