Jul 3 • Wisdom
Danger of Pride
‘Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.’ Proverbs 16:5
This verse strikes at the root of pride—not merely outward arrogance, but inward pride of heart, the secret elevation of self above God and others. God does not treat pride lightly; He calls it an abomination, a word reserved in Scripture for the vilest offenses. Pride is the exaltation of self in the place where only God should be. It is the very sin that cast Lucifer from heaven and continues to separate man from his Maker.
This truth is echoed in James 4:6: “God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” Pride sets a man in opposition to God, and in turn, God stands in opposition to the proud. Pride closes the door to grace because it denies the need for it. A proud man sees himself as sufficient, wise, and deserving—therefore, he does not seek or submit to the mercy of God. But God is near to the humble, because humility admits its need and bows before divine authority.
The phrase “though hand join in hand” emphasizes that no amount of human alliance, agreement, or solidarity can shield a proud heart from God’s judgment. Society may celebrate pride, and people may band together in rebellion against God, but no union of men can overthrow the justice of God. Isaiah 13:11 confirms this: “And I will punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; and I will cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease.” God has appointed a day when He will bring down all lofty hearts and exalt only His name.
Luke 18:14 gives a picture of how pride and humility are judged differently in God's eyes. The Pharisee, proud in heart, left the temple unjustified, while the humble publican who cried, “God be merciful to me a sinner,” was accepted. Pride repels God, but humility draws Him near. Pride makes us think we are better than others, that we are in control, that we deserve God's favor. Yet 1 Corinthians 4:7 reminds us, “What hast thou that thou didst not receive?” Every good thing we have—life, strength, salvation—is a gift from God.
Practically, this verse warns us to examine our hearts deeply. Pride can hide beneath outward religion, spiritual success, or even acts of charity. But God weighs the heart, and nothing is hidden from Him. We must daily humble ourselves, remembering our dependence on God for every breath and blessing. Pride will bring God’s resistance, but humility invites His favor. The wise do not join hands with the proud—they walk humbly with their God, knowing that He alone is worthy to be exalted.
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Danger of Pride
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