I’m posting my Marriage Monday column a bit early due to the holiday (Labor Day) on Monday. I have been working through a section of The Exemplary Husband for quite some time. On pp.180-183, Stuart Scott, the author of this excellent work, lists some manifestations of pride which so easily emerge from our lives. Here is a sampling of some that leaped at me:
Being unteachable. Many proud individuals know it all. They’re superior. They can’t seem to learn anything from anyone else. They respect no one. (Proverbs 19:20; John 9:13-34)
Being sarcastic, hurtful, or degrading. Proud people can be very unkind people. Those who belittle other people usually want to raise themselves up above others. Very often this can be quite cleverly done through jesting. They may excuse themselves by saying, “That’s just the way I am. That’s my personality” (Proverbs 12:18, 23).
Being defensive or blame-shifting. You will often hear a proud person say, “Are you saying it’s my fault?” or “Well, what about you?” (Genesis 3:12-13; Proverbs 12:1)
A lack of admitting when you are wrong. A proud person will make a great many excuses such as, “I was tired,” or “I was having a bad day” (Proverbs 10:17).
Being impatient or irritable with others. A proud person might be angry wirth otehr people because they are concerned that their own schedule or plans are being ruined. They are often inflexible on preference issues (Ephesians 4:31-32).
These are just a few of the 30 Scott mentions. I know that as I’ve been mulling over these, God has again and again reminded me of what an arrogant person I am. Thank God this sin is met with grace through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Let’s repent of our pride and live to honor God above all.