Along the way he spoke to them of the Scriptures and how they
all point to him. This is a daily devotional for Christians, gleaned
from my walk along the road with the Master.

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Pride Goes Before Destruction

November 20

“…so to seek one’s own glory is not glory.”
Proverbs 25:27

When a person seeks recognition for himself, that very act removes the worth of it. And this is extremely difficult to resist doing. I listen to many interviews with people who have risen to prominence, and to a man – they cannot cease saying, “as I said in my book…” over and over again until we’re weary of hearing it. They may have gained fame and fortune because of their book or whatever work they’ve accomplished, but this kind of “glory” is worthless in the eyes of God.

The very act of trying to bring glory to oneself makes the glory worthless.

“But all their works they do to be seen by men.
They make their phylacteries broad
and enlarge the borders of their garments.
They love the best places at feasts,
the best seats in the synagogues,
greetings in the marketplaces,
and to be called by men, ‘Rabbi, Rabbi.’”
Matthew 23:5-7

In other words, men dress richly and seek a name, seek to be admired and honored before men and to be called “doctor so-and-so.” But the Lord is not impressed with their doctorate, the Lord sees the heart. And when it’s rooted in pride, it’s going to end in a fall.

“Pride goes before destruction,
and a haughty spirit before a fall.”
Proverbs 16:18

It will bring a man down every time.

“…whoever exalts himself will be humbled,
and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Matthew 23:12

God hates pride. It was what brought down the greatest of all the angels, Lucifer, now known as Satan. Believers must guard themselves against all expressions of pride. It’s the deadliest of all sins.