Tag: Pride

Pride can often have negative connotations, particularly when it veers into arrogance or hubris. This form of pride can lead to an inflated sense of self-worth, making a person dismissive of others’ opinions and contributions. It can create interpersonal conflicts and alienation, as prideful individuals may struggle to accept criticism or acknowledge their own mistakes. Additionally, this negative aspect of pride can hinder personal growth, as it often keeps one from recognizing their limitations and learning from experiences. Ultimately, while a healthy sense of pride can be motivating, an excessive or misplaced pride can become a barrier to connection and development.

  • 7 Things God Hates & Their Implications

    7 Things God Hates & Their Implications

    In Proverbs 6:16-19, the Lord expresses His detestation for certain actions and attitudes. These seven traits are haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies, and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.

    Each of these represents a departure from the virtues that God values, such as humility, honesty, righteousness, and peace. Let us explore the meaning behind these detestable actions and the contrasting qualities that God cherishes.

    Proverbs 6:16-19:

    “There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.”

    Haughty Eyes

    The Destructive Power of Arrogance

    Hebrew: Ayinayim Ramot: This refers to a proud and arrogant gaze, symbolizing a sense of superiority and disdain for others. It represents a lack of humility and an inflated self-image.

    Haughty eyes, filled with superiority. An air of arrogance, looking down upon others with disdain. A reflection of deep-rooted pride, blinding us to our shared humanity.

     “For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” –Luke 18:14

    Lying Tongue

    Spreading Falsehood and Deceit

    Hebrew: Lashon sheker: This signifies the act of spreading falsehood and deceit through speech. It reflects a lack of integrity and honesty, leading to the erosion of trust in relationships.

    A lying tongue refers to deceitful and dishonest speech, intentionally spreading falsehoods and manipulating others. It is the opposite of honest and trustworthy communication.

    Your words hold enormous power and carry weighty consequences. Every word we utter will ultimately be judged by God.

    “Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
    and those who love it will eat its fruits.” – Proverbs 18:21

    The Hands That Shed Innocent Blood

    Violence and Oppression: The Tragic Consequences of Shedding Innocent Blood

    Hebrew: Yadayim Shofekhot Dam Naki: The act of causing harm or taking the life of an innocent person. It represents violence, oppression, and a disregard for the sanctity of life.

    The act of shedding innocent blood represents a profound violation of the divine order, where human authority was never meant to have dominion over one another. Life is a sacred gift bestowed by the Creator, who imbues each individual with intrinsic worth.

    Prematurely ending a life, especially one defenseless, usurps the prerogative of God and goes against the fundamental philosophy of respecting the sanctity of life

    “Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent — the Lord detests them both.” -Proverbs 17:15

    Heart Devising Wicked Schemes

    The Corrupt Intentions of the Mind

    Hebrew: Lev Yozev Machashavot Ra’ot: This signifies a mind that constantly plans and devises evil actions, reflecting a corrupt and malicious intent. It represents a lack of moral conscience and a willingness to harm others.

    The concept of a heart devising wicked schemes refers to the inner intentions and thoughts of an individual inclined towards planning and executing malicious actions. It represents a mindset focused on developing and carrying out harmful or immoral plans.

    “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” -Jeremiah 17:9

    “For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander.” – Matthew 15:19

    Feet Quick To Rush To Evil

    Unveiling Impulsive Sinful Behavior

    Hebrew: Raglayim Mahirot l’dalchet Ba’ra: This refers to a person who eagerly and willingly engages in sinful activities. It represents a lack of self-control and a tendency to pursue immoral and destructive paths.

    A “quick to rush to evil” refers to someone who eagerly engages in wicked or harmful actions without considering the consequences or ethical judgment. It signifies a hasty and impulsive nature and goes against God’s teachings, as He expects us to distance ourselves from evil.

     “Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way.” – Proverbs 4:14-15

    A False Witness Who Speaks Lies

    Embracing God’s Valued Virtues and Rejecting Detestable Actions

    Hebrew: Ed sheker mashqeh Kesef: This signifies someone who gives false testimony or spreads lies about others. It represents a betrayal of trust, causing harm and injustice through deceitful words.

    A false witness deliberately provides false testimony, distorting the truth for personal gain or manipulation. Their words lack credibility and integrity, as they are built upon lies and dishonesty. This concept also extends to the failure to align with divine truth in making truthful confessions.

    “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” – Exodus 20:16

    A Person Who Stirs Conflict

    Embracing God’s Valued Virtues and Rejecting Detestable Actions

    Hebrew: Ish medinim mazor: Someone who actively provokes strife, discord, and division within a community or society. It refers to an individual who intentionally fosters disagreement, animosity, and disharmony among people, sowing seeds of conflict wherever they go.

    Medinim signifies strife or disputes.

    Mazor conveys the idea of stirring or causing trouble.

    A person who stirs conflict is someone who intentionally creates tension and disagreements among others. They enjoy causing problems and try to control and provoke arguments. This behavior disrupts peace and can harm relationships within a group or community.

     “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?” – James 4:1 

    IN THIS- IT SHOWS WHAT GOD CHERISHES

    Humility/modesty of eyes –

    Not being prideful or arrogant, giving honor to others.

    He takes great joy in those whose eyes see with clarity unburdened by arrogance or self-importance. In humility we find truth – truth in who God made us to be, and truth in how we ought relate to one another.

    A truthful tongue – Speaking truthfully and honestly.

    “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.” – Ephesians 4:25

    God finds delight in those who speak with integrity, sincerity, and righteousness. Honest words are like refreshing water for the soul, fostering understanding and trust among individuals.

    Hands that protect the innocent –

    Protecting the vulnerable from harm.

    “Defend the weak and the fatherless;
    uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.
    Rescue the weak and the needy;
    deliver them from the hand of the wicked.”     – Psalm 82:3-4

    A heart that devises righteous plans –

    Crafting plans and intentions focused on goodness.

    “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” – Psalm 51:10

    Feet that are quick to do good –

    Eagerly running toward righteousness.

    “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” – Psalm 119:105

    A truthful witness –

    Bearing honest testimony and avoiding falsehoods.

    “A truthful witness does not deceive, but a false witness pours out lies.” – Proverbs 14:5

    A peacemaker –

    Bringing people together in harmony rather than creating conflict.

    “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” – Matthew 5:9

    In conclusion, Proverbs 6:16-19 reveals the detestable actions and attitudes that the Lord hates, which contrast with the virtues that God cherishes.

    These actions include haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies, and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.

    On the other hand, God values humility, truthfulness, protecting the innocent, righteous plans, eagerness to do good, truthful testimony, and being a peacemaker. These qualities reflect a heart that pleases God and embodies integrity, justice, and compassion.

    As we seek to align our lives with God’s values, let us strive to reject arrogance, deceit, violence, wickedness, impulsive sinful behavior, dishonesty, and causing conflicts.

    Instead, let us cultivate humility, truth, compassion, righteousness, eagerness to do good, honesty, and a spirit of peace. By embracing these virtues, we can honor and please God, and contribute to a harmonious and loving community.

     “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” – Proverbs 31:8-9

  • WHO AM ‘I’ describing?

    WHO AM ‘I’ describing?

    Allow me to explain:

    I expect to find rich soil to sow my work within you.

    To do that, you need to act humbly towards others.
    I am going to analyze everything and everyone in order to get you what you desire from them.
    I am going to manipulate people with the image of a soft heart inside of you so that they’ll give you praises and make you feel important, as you should.

    My ultimate goal is to absorb the compassion of the empathetic and influence the simple to honor and highly value you without realizing it.

    I aim to elevate you to the position of God’s throne, but you can’t ever admit it: to admit it is to kill our power; we love the darkness; only artificial light is allowed here.

    The perception of those who are ‘lower than you‘ must keep you elevated to the status of God: looking to you to fill their need, whatever need that may be; and you will deliver.

    I simply want to put you on the pedestal you deserve. You are deserving of the throne, and I will tirelessly defend your glory.
    I am here to ‘protect’ you.

    It is paramount that your works have a purpose, and your purpose is for you to feel good and secure in who you are.
    Nothing else matters.

    So, your good deeds must be always visible; otherwise, they won’t elevate you as you deserve, and I am the one who will help make sure your works are seen.
    Remember, you are sovereign too. God isn’t the only one.

    As for me, well, I am simply the seed inside you. You: the one reading this: I’m a reflection of your nature; I’m your heart.

    I AM YOUR HUMAN NATURE:
    AND MY WORK IS PRIDE

  • Is It Right To Be Confident In Your Self?

    Is It Right To Be Confident In Your Self?

    Jesus shared a parable with people who were self-assured of their righteousness and tended to look down on others. The parable was meant to challenge their perspective and reveal the true nature of God’s grace and mercy.

    Jesus Knew That These Individuals Were Prideful & Judgmental

    The parable that Jesus shared was about two men who went to the temple to pray. 
    One of the men was a Pharisee: a member of a religious group known for their strict adherence to the law and their outward displays of piety. 
    The other man was a
    Tax collector: a profession that was despised by many in Jewish society at the time.

    The Pharisee stood up and prayed, thanking God that he was not like other people, including the tax collector who was standing nearby. He boasted about his own righteousness and his strict adherence to the law.

    In Contrast

    The tax collector stood at a distance and would not even look up to heaven. He beat his chest and prayed, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”

    Jesus then revealed that it was the tax collector, not the Pharisee, who went home justified before God.

    Those Who Exalt Themselves Will Be Humbled

    He explained that those who exalt themselves will be humbled, but those who humble themselves will be exalted.

    This parable was a powerful reminder that true righteousness is not found in outward displays of righteousness or strict abidance to the law. Rather, it is found in a humble and contrite heart that recognizes its need for God’s grace and mercy.

    The Importance Of Humility

    The parable that Jesus shared about the Pharisee and the tax collector is a powerful reminder of the true nature of righteousness and the importance of humility and compassion.

    At its core, the parable is a critique of the self-righteous attitudes and behaviors of the Pharisees, who were known for their strict adherence to the law and their outward displays of piety.

    The Pharisee in the parable represents those who are confident in their own righteousness and look down on others who they perceive as less righteous.

    He stands up and prays, thanking God that he is not like other people, including the tax collector who is standing nearby.

    He boasts about his own righteousness and his strict adherence to the law, believing that he is justified before God because of his own efforts.

    In contrast, the tax collector represents those who recognize their own sinfulness and their need for God’s grace and mercy.

    He stands at a distance and would not even look up to heaven. He beats his chest and prays, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”

    He recognizes that he is not justified before God because of his own efforts, but rather because of God’s grace and mercy.

    Jesus reveals that it is the tax collector, not the Pharisee, who goes home justified before God.

    Challenging Human Nature

    The depth of this parable lies in its challenge to our human nature. It is easy to fall into the trap of self-righteousness and judgmental attitudes, especially when we compare ourselves to others.

    Jesus is reminding us that true righteousness is not found in our own efforts, but rather in our recognition of our need for God’s grace and mercy.

    God’s Idea Of Righteousness, Not Our Own

    The parable

    This challenges our understanding of who is considered righteous in God’s eyes. and reminds us that God’s grace and mercy are available to all who recognize their need for it.

    Call To Humility

    In essence, this parable is a call to humility, compassion, and a recognition of our need for God’s grace and mercy. It challenges us to let go of our pride and judgmental attitudes and to embrace a spirit of humility and compassion towards others.

    These verses remind us that our salvation and righteousness are not based on our own efforts or good works, but rather on God’s grace and mercy:

    • “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.” – Ephesians 2:8-9
    • “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” – Luke 18:13-14
    • “But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.” – Titus 3:4-5
    • “Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin.” – Romans 3:20

    We cannot earn our salvation through our own actions, but rather it is a gift from God that we receive through faith. This recognition of our need for God’s grace and mercy should lead us to humility and a dependence on Him, rather than pride in our own accomplishments.

  • GODS OPPOSITION IS PEOPLE THAT ARE PRIDEFUL THE PART OF THEIR PERSON

    GODS OPPOSITION IS PEOPLE THAT ARE PRIDEFUL THE PART OF THEIR PERSON

    What does it mean for God to oppose the proud, and why is it such a significant concept?

    Before one falls from the Grace of God, Scripture says Pride comes.

    Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.

    Proverbs 18:12

    This speaks to the relationship between pride, humility, and righteousness.

    The verse begins by stating that before a person’s downfall, their heart is proud.

    This tells us that pride is a dangerous and destructive way to be and will lead to our downfall.

    The verse then goes on to say that humility comes before honor; suggesting that humility is a favorable and desirable weight to bear because it leads to honor.

    Proud Heart

    The word “heart” in this passage refers to a person’s innermost being, including their thoughts, emotions, and desires.
    Why is our thoughts, emotions and desires comebefore his downfall? Why is the proud person headed for failure?

    PRIDE BLINDS

    This is because pride blinds a person to their own weaknesses and shields them from perceiving their flaws, making it difficult to see truth about self so they never have to feel guilt.

    The second half of the verse suggests that humility is the key to success and honor.

    Humility is the inverse of pride, involving a willingness to acknowledge limitations and weaknesses we have within our flesh.

    This kinda attitude also allows a person to increase in wisdom because then we can learn from others, becoming open to feedback and correction.

    Pride is dangerous and will lead to our downfall if we let it set ablaze within, we ought to learn to cultivate a humble attitude and avoid the pitfalls of pride.

    Serving God Is Done With Humility

    I served the Lord with great humility and with tears, especially in the trials that came upon me through the plots of the Jews.

    Acts 20:19

    The apostle Paul is speaking to the elders of the church in Ephesus, recounting his ministry among them.


    “Especially in the trials that came upon me through the plots of the Jews” highlights the opposition and persecution that Paul faced in his ministry.

    Despite these challenges, he remained faithful to God and continued to serve Him with humility and tears.

    This passage reveals Paul’s deep commitment to serving God and his willingness to endure hardship and opposition in order to do so.

    Importance Of Modesty And Humility

    Pride goes before destruction, and an arrogantly superior and disdainful (haughty) spirit before a fall. It is better to be lowly in spirit among the humble than to divide the spoil with the proud.

    Proverbs 16:18‭-‬19 

    The first part of this proverb states that pride is a forerunner to destruction.

    When we are too proud and overconfident, we are likely to make errors and missteps that will lead to our downfall.

    The expression “an arrogantly superior and disdainful (haughty) spirit before a fall” emphasizes the danger of prideful behavior.

    The second part of the proverb means that it is better to be modest and humble, even if it means not receiving as much recognition or reward, than to be proud and boastful, and risk losing everything.

    The phrase “to divide the spoil with the proud” refers to sharing in the rewards of victory, but doing so with the proud and arrogant will ultimately lead to destruction.

    This displays the importance of humility and warns against the dangers of pride and arrogance.

    It encourages us to be modest and humble and to avoid the pitfalls of prideful behavior that can lead to our downfall.

    The Importance Of Our Brokenness and Humility Before God

    God says: “I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.”

    Isaiah 57:15

    This is a proclamation from God about His nature and character.
    He is referring to God’s transcendence and His holiness.
    The phrase “high and holy place” emphasizes that God is above all things and is separate from the world.

    This is a common theme in the book of Isaiah, where God is often portrayed as holy and righteous above all things.

    The second part of the verse states that God also dwells with him, who is of a contrite and lowly spirit.
    This refers to God’s immanent grace.

    The phrase “contrite and lowly spirit” emphasizes the concept of humility and brokenness before God.

    God favors those humble and contrite in spirit.
    The purpose of God’s dwelling with those who are humble and contrite is to revive their soul and heart.
    This emphasizes the restorative and transformative power of God.

    The word “revive” means to bring back to life or restore. This shows that God can repair and renew the hearts and spirits of those who are broken and humble before Him.

    This highlights the importance of humility and brokenness before God, as well as the restorative and transformative power of God in the lives of His people.

    Importance Of Having A Genuine Relationship With God

    “With what shall I come before the Lord when I bow before the God on high? Should I come to Him with burnt offerings, with year-old calves? Would the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I present my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?

    Micah 6:6‭-‬8

    The point of this passage is that God is not interested in empty religious rituals or grandiose displays of wealth and power.

    Instead, He desires His people to live justly, show mercy, and walk humbly with Him.

    This means treating others fairly, showing compassion to those in need, and having a humble and obedient heart towards God.

    In essence, this passage teaches that true worship of God is not about outward displays of holiness or material offerings, but rather about living a life that reflects God’s character and values.

    It emphasizes the importance of a genuine relationship with God and a commitment to following His ways in all aspects of our lives.

    Stay In The Present

    Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring. Let another praise you, and not your own mouth— a stranger, and not your own lips.

    Proverbs 27:1‭-‬2

    This passage warns against the dangers of boasting about the future and promoting oneself, advising against making plans and bragging about them, as one cannot predict what will happen.

    The passage also emphasizes the importance of humility and modesty. It suggests that it is better to have others praise you than to praise yourself. The author suggests that it is more meaningful to receive praise from someone not close to you, such as a stranger, as this is a more genuine form of recognition.

    This passage teaches that humility is a valuable character trait we should cultivate.

    It warns against the dangers of pride and self-promotion and encourages us to be modest and let our actions speak for themselves.

    It reminds us that we cannot control the future and that it is better to focus on the present and live with humility and gratitude.