The malady of pride is the folly of all men—rich or poor, famous or infamous—we all have our share of this sin! Because pride is a universal sin, it may not surprise you that it is particularly loathsome to God. When we allow the seeds of pride to take root in our heart, we have planted that which will ultimately invite the wrath of God.

Proverbs 16:5 – “Every one that is proud [high; exalted; lofty] in heart [mind; thought] is an abomination [loathsome; detestable] to the LORD: though hand [arm; power; alongside] join in hand [handshake; agreement], he [the proud in heart] shall not be unpunished [guiltless; innocent; clear].”

Examples of men whose pride demanded God’s judgment are found throughout the Bible.

Pride filled Cain’s heart and, having rejected God’s invitation to repent, he murdered his brother Abel calling for God’s judgment upon him and his lineage (Genesis 4:11-12).

King Uzziah’s reign over Jerusalem was at its zenith (2 Chronicles 26:15-16) when pride filled his heart and he usurped the office and duties of the priest (2 Chronicles 26:16-18).   Rather than repent, Uzziah allowed anger to take hold on his heart and God struck him with leprosy that eventually took him to his grave (2 Chronicles 26:19-21).

King Nebuchadnezzar’s heart was lifted up in pride and he boasted of all he had built (Daniel 4:30), until God’s judgment fell upon him. God rendered his heart as that of a beast and the king was driven out from men (Daniel 4:33). Seven years later, his pride broken and his spirit humbled, Nebuchadnezzar lifted his eyes to heaven and confessed that God alone was worthy of praise (Daniel 4:34). God heard his confession and restored him to the throne of Babylon.

God abhors the proud, but promises to bless the man who follows the path of righteousness and peace.

Proverbs 16:7 – “When a man’s ways [roads, courses, journey] please [delight; favor; satisfy] the LORD, he maketh even his enemies [adversary] to be at peace [make a covenant of peace] with him.”

Remembering that the promises of proverbs are general promises (in other words, not universal guarantees), Solomon writes that God often blesses the man who honors Him by giving him peace even with his enemies.

Are your ways, attitudes and actions pleasing the Lord?