People naturally want to feel respected and valued, which forms the basis for their self-esteem. Pride is a common feeling that makes individuals want to show off their accomplishments and contributions in life. Not surprisingly, the Bible contains numerous references to the word “pride”. Often, we ignore such references, discarding their meaning as something not applicable to us. However, let's take a closer look at it.
As jy dwaas gewees het deur jou te verhef, of as jy vooraf nagedink het--die hand op die mond!( Spreuke 30:32 )
Want Hy het die bewoners van die hoogte neergewerp, die steil vesting; Hy het dit afgegooi, afgegooi tot by die grond, dit laat kom tot in die stof.( Jesaja 26:5 )
om die mens terug te hou van sy onderneming en trotsheid vir die man te verberg;( Job 33:17 )
In our daily lives, we distinguish between two types of pride: a negative one, expressed in phrases like “this person was too proud to help,” and a positive one, conveyed in phrases like “Good job, I’m so proud of you!” The latter expression is pervasive in family life, where parents seek to motivate their children to persevere, progress, and develop into respected individuals. Regardless of whether we express praise or condemnation, both types of pride share a common foundation. Let's take a look at the most common definitions of pride:
- A feeling of deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one's own achievements, the achievements of those with whom one is closely associated, or from qualities or possessions that are widely admired
- Consciousness of one's own dignity.
Both definitions above share a common foundation around self-centric qualities. "Pride" reflects self-abilities or self-accomplishments as opposed to reliance on others' help.
Vermetelheid gee net getwis af; maar by die wat hulle laat raai, is wysheid.( Spreuke 13:10 )
As we can see, that self-centered pride is heavily condemned in the Bible repeatedly. Here are just a few examples:
Dan roep hulle, maar Hy antwoord nie, vanweë die trotsheid van die kwaaddoeners.( Job 35:12 )
En U verlos die verdrukte volk, maar u oë is teen die hoogmoediges; U verneder hulle.( 2 Samuel 22:28 )
Want die HERE is verhewe; nogtans sien Hy die nederige aan, en die hoogmoedige ken Hy uit die verte.( Psalms 138:6 )
Before we can make any conclusion, let's take a look at the Bible story of Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar, who became proud of the results of the work he did.
het die koning aangehef en gesê: Is dit nie die groot Babel wat ek opgebou het tot 'n koninklike verblyf, deur die sterkte van my vermoë, en tot verheerliking van my majesteit nie?( Daniël 4:30 )
While most of us aren't kings, and our achievements may not be grandiose, we often say or think, "I built this house with my own hands," or "I created such a great company," or "I won this game over someone else," taking pride in our efforts. Isn't it fair to feel proud when we've invested so much effort into something crucial for us, be it securing a good job, fostering a strong family, or winning a race?
The author of the renowned biblical wisdom book, "Ecclesiastes," recognized that personal qualities and skills don't solely determine life events' outcomes.
Weer het ek onder die son gesien dat die wedloop nie is vir die vinniges en die oorlog nie vir die helde nie; en ook die brood is nie vir die wyse of ook rykdom vir die slimmes of ook guns vir die verstandiges nie; want tyd en lotgeval tref hulle almal.( Prediker 9:11 )
It appears that success isn't guaranteed for those who invest significant effort in work, training, or practice. If we fast forward into New Testament times, Jesus asserts that nothing escapes God's attention, regardless of the event's perceived importance or insignificance:
Word twee mossies nie vir 'n stuiwer verkoop nie? En nie een van hulle sal op die aarde val sonder julle Vader nie.( Matteus 10:29 )
Let's return to Nebuchadnezzar and examine what transpired after he voiced his prideful words about his accomplishments:
Terwyl die woord nog in die mond van die koning was, val daar 'n stem uit die hemel: Koning Nebukadnésar, jou word aangesê--die koningskap word jou ontneem; en hulle sal jou uit die mensdom verstoot, en jou woning sal saam met die diere van die veld wees; hulle sal jou plante laat eet soos die beeste, en sewe tydperke sal oor jou heengaan, totdat jy erken dat die Allerhoogste mag het oor die koningskap van die mens en dit gee aan wie Hy wil.( Daniël 4:31-32 )
In an instant, King Nebuchadnezzar lost everything he had taken pride in, facing challenging times, just as foretold. The king lost his throne, pride, and dignity, a necessary experience for understanding and learning the lesson. After a while, Nebuchadnezzar came to realize who was truly behind all his achievements:
En ná verloop van tyd het ek, Nebukadnésar, my oë na die hemel opgeslaan, en my verstand het in my teruggekeer, en ek het die Allerhoogste geloof en Hom wat ewig lewe, geprys en geëer, wie se heerskappy 'n ewige mag en wie se koningskap van geslag tot geslag is. Nou prys ek, Nebukadnésar, en ek roem en eer die Koning van die hemel: al sy werke is waarheid en sy paaie is reg, en Hy kan verneder die wat in hulle trotsheid wandel.( Daniël 4:34-35,37 )
In the end, Nebuchadnezzar learned a valuable lesson about pride. Can we, too, learn this lesson the easier way, by reflecting on Nebuchadnezzar's story?
Does that story imply that our achievements aren't genuinely ours? What can we accomplish entirely on our own? A verse from the Gospel of John, quoting Jesus, provides the answer below. Notice that Jesus repeats the same words, subtly rephrasing them to underscore their significance.
Bly in My, soos Ek in julle. Net soos die loot geen vrug kan dra van homself as dit nie in die wynstok bly nie, so julle ook nie as julle in My nie bly nie.( Johannes 15:4 )
Ek is die wynstok, julle die lote. Wie in My bly, en Ek in hom, hy dra veel vrug; want sonder My kan julle niks doen nie.( Johannes 15:5 )
It is God who empowers us, enabling us to succeed in games or secure good jobs. God is the source of creative ideas when tackling complex problems and provides strength to persevere and complete what we've started. Recognizing these aspects reveals the true nature of God and His role in our lives, bringing us closer to Him.
Vertrou op die HERE met jou hele hart en steun nie op jou eie insig nie. Ken Hom in al jou weë, dan sal Hy jou paaie gelykmaak.( Spreuke 3:5-6 )
Wees oor niks besorg nie, maar laat julle begeertes in alles deur gebed en smeking met danksegging bekend word by God.( Filippense 4:6 )
Of julle dan eet of drink of enigiets doen, doen alles tot verheerliking van God.( 1 Korintiërs 10:31 )
Let's acknowledge our limitations and find comfort in understanding that relying on Jesus brings peace of mind, supporting us through challenges and guiding us in managing feelings of pride and dignity.