Pride Goes Before Destruction
Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Proverbs 16:18-23. In this Scripture, we are warned that pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall. We are also told that it is better to be humble with the lowly than to divide the spoil with the proud.
Those who handle a matter wisely will find good: and those who trust in the LORD are happy. The wise in heart will be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increases learning.
Understanding is a wellspring of life to those who have it: but the instruction of fools is folly. The heart of the wise teaches their mouth, and adds learning to their lips.
“For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world” (1 John 2:16).
Pride is a tactic of the enemy to destroy us. Being overly proud of whom we are, what we have attained, or our accomplishments can lead us to destruction. It is important that no matter whom we become or what we attain that we remain humble. We need to realize that everything we are and everything we have is a gift from God. It can be snatched out from under us quicker than we attained it.
Humility is the opposite of pride. The Bible says that we are to be “clothed with humility.” “Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble” (1 Peter 5:5).
James 4:6 tells us that God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.
James 4:10 says, “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.”
1 Peter 5:6-7 reminds us, “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”
Daily Bible Reading:
Proverbs 16:18-23
18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
19 Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.
20 He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he.
21 The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.
22 Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly.
23 The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.
Things to think about:
- What is the result of being prideful?
- Why is it better to be humble?
- Why are the wise always learning?
Prayer of the Day:
Dear Heavenly Father,
As we read this Scripture in the book of Proverbs we are reminded that prided comes before destruction. Help us to be humble and not proud. Help us to seek Your face for guidance and direction in our lives. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Bible Verse to Journal or Memorize:
Christian Music Video: “Lay Down My Pride” – Jeremy Camp
The Book of Esther: A Story of Love and Favor
(Daily Bible Reading Series Book 2)
by Deborah H. Bateman
About the book:
The Book of Esther: A Story of Love and Favor by Deborah H. Bateman is a Daily Bible Reading study of the book of Esther from the Old Testament of the Bible.
In the book of Esther, Esther was adopted by her cousin Mordecai. In a series of events and through fasting, prayer and God’s favor Esther was placed in a position to save the Jewish people. Esther was adopted by her cousin Mordecai, who told her maybe she was born for such a time as this.
God puts us all in circumstances where He can use us to further His kingdom and give Him glory, if we are willing and obedient. Esther found her purpose for life. Like Esther you were born for such a time as this.
Get your copy now!
Have a blessed day,
Deborah
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