Pride Leads to Dishonor

Note from today’s Bible reading: Proverbs 9-13

Pride is a sin that invariably leads to other sins. One who is proud sees no need to receive instruction or accept correction. After all, he believes he knows better than anyone what direction he should go in life.

However, the wise man said, “When pride comes, then comes dishonor, but with the humble is wisdom” (Proverbs 11:2). The word “dishonor” is used to describe something that is shameful. In other words, one’s pride leads him to do things he should be ashamed of.

Yet pride is so destructive that it can cause one to lose a sense of shame for their sins. We see this in our culture. “Pride” is a term that is used to celebrate various sinful behaviors and lifestyle choices. Yet even if society celebrates a particular sinful practice, there will be shame and dishonor for those who refuse to repent before they stand before the Lord in judgment (cf. 2 Corinthians 5:10).

In contrast, the wise man said that those who are humble possess wisdom. They recognize that they need to look to God and follow His will rather than trust in themselves and do whatever seems best to them. This will allow them to avoid the shameful behaviors that God’s word warns about and instead do those things that are praiseworthy and pleasing to God.

So remember that pride leads to dishonor. Those who are proud elevate themselves and ignore God’s word, which leads to their downfall. We must humble ourselves before the Lord and submit our will to His.