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.
( Առակներ 30:32 )
( Եսայիա 26:5 )
( Աշխատանք 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.
( Առակներ 13:10 )
As we can see, that self-centered pride is heavily condemned in the Bible repeatedly. Here are just a few examples:
( Աշխատանք 35:12 )
( Սամուելի երկրորդ գիրքը 22:28 )
( Սաղմոսներ 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.
( Դանիելե 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.
( Եկեղեցական 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:
( Ավետարան ըստ Մատթեոսի 10:29 )
Let's return to Nebuchadnezzar and examine what transpired after he voiced his prideful words about his accomplishments:
( Դանիելե 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:
( Դանիելե 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.
( Ավետարան ըստ Հովհաննեսի 15:4 )
( Ավետարան ըստ Հովհաննեսի 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.
इही तरह जीभ, जउन सरीर क एव्क छोटी स अंग अहइ, तबहुँ बड़ी बड़ी बात कहि डावइ क डींग मारत रहत ह। अब तनिक सोचा एक जरा स लपट पूरा जंगल क जराइ सकत ह। हाँ, जीभ: एक एक आग क साथ अहइ। इ बुराइ क एक पूरा संसार अहइ। इ जीभ हमरे सरीर क अंग मँ एक अइसेन अंग अहइ, जउन पूरा सरीर क नियन्त्रण मँ रखीके भ्रस्ट कइ डावइत ह अउर हमार पूरा जीवन चक्र मँ ही आग लगाइ देत ह। इ जीभ नरक क आग स धधकत रहत ह।( Առակներ 3:5-6 )
( Նամակ Ֆիլիպիններին 4:6 )
( Կորնթացիներին ուղղված առաջին ն 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.