Proverbs 16:18-19
Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Better to be lowly in spirit and among the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud.

Pride was the first sin! Isaiah 14:12; Satan, who was known as Lucifer, which means light bearer, was found to be with pride and was cast out of heaven.

Pride separates us from God.

Pride is the assumption that I am the most important person in my world-SELF is the focus of pride.
Pride saysÉÓIt is my way or the highway!Ó
Pride saysÉÓMy way is right and your way is wrong!Ó

Pride is an attitude. Jesus is our perfect model for every attitude.

Philippians 2:5-11 ÒYour attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death, even death on a cross. Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every nameÉÓ

When we exalt ourselves, God will humble us, but when we humble ourselves as Christ did, He will exalt us! (Luke 14:11)

Pride is the engine that drives our obsession with significance- the obsession to Òbe somebodyÓ to prove to the world that we are special.

Pride in the hands of the devil is:
* Destructive
* Dangerous
* Destitute
* Demoralizing
* Degrading, and full ofÉ
* Depravity

Pride is the tool that men use to exalt themselves over others, but becomes the means to their ruin!

What are we to do with pride? Some say Òswallow your prideÓ, but if you swallow spilled milk, you will get sick. NO! We must throw out the rotten pride, let God redeem us, give us new focus, new energy, and new determination to use for God, instead of ourselves. If we are going to boast, we should boast in the Lord. That is pride properly placed.

One last thoughtÉ If you remove the “I” from pride (pr de), there is nothing left. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones. Proverbs 3:5-8

Peace!