This proverb warns that pride brings trouble. Pride, in this context, is talking about an overinflated opinion of one's person, ability, or accomplishments.
Pride centers on "I." The proud like to praise themselves. They say things, like "I did this!", "I don't need help!", "I got it all figured out!", "I would never do _______.", or "I don't need to stop and ask for directions."
Pride tears down others. There is no "you" in pride. The proud say things like, "You couldn't possible understand.", "You don't know what it is like.", or "You have never felt this way." Others are not capable of feeling as deeply, seeing as clearly, or understanding as fully as the proud.
Because of these character traits, proud people are:
Unteachable-they think they know it all already or else what they don't know doesn't need to be known.
Usually abrasive-the proud don't have time to exchange pleasantries with those beneath them.
Masking a fear or weakness-they don't want anyone to pick behind the curtain, and discover the "Great Oz" is just like everyone else.
Unable to see their need for help
Destined for disgrace-the proud will be put to shame, either in this life through failure, or the next life in judgement. Disgrace is the state of living out of favor, with God and mankind.
But with humility comes wisdom. It seems a strange contrast disgrace and wisdom. However, wisdom is best understood here as living a life that finds favor with God and our neighbor. The kingdom of heaven belongs to the poor in spirit.
We are to esteem others more highly than ourselves. Where the proud tear down others, the humble build them up. Where the proud exalt themselves, the humble resist themselves. They know, with the apostle Paul, that apart from Christ no good thing dwells in their sin nature.
The humble are:
Teachable-they know that they don't know, and seek to retain knowledge for the proper time.
Gentle-they have time for others, because others may impart some wisdom or offer much needed guidance.
Open--they don't hide their fear and weakness. They know that God can shine through their weaknesses.
Aware of their needs-the humble know they need to be rescued from their sinful hearts. They know their limitations, and seed help when needed.
Objects of grace-their lives are surrounded by the grace of God. Where their sin abounds, God's grace abounds all the more.
Christ's followers must abandon pride, and cloth themselves in humility. God opposes the proud, but give grace to the humble. Pursue humility.
Evening: The lesson, "Downcast Soul," focused on Psalm 42:1-11. The author encourages us to trust the Lord, even when we don't feel like it.
This psalm express the reality of spiritual depression. Call it "dark night of the soul," "God desertions," "sadness," or "grief." Whatever we call it, it is a common experience in the lives of the faithful.
The scene opens with a powerful metaphor. A hunted deer, lathered and exhausted, is yearning for a refreshing drink to strengthen itself for the race. But it, like the author, must instead pant for what it doesn't have.
The author offers the remedy for the downcast soul-to remember. We are to remember our former joy in serving the Lord. We are to remember the Lord's faithfulness, power, and love. We are called to remember that hardship is passing, and that it has a purpose.
Some observations:
Sadness (of this sort) is part of the human experience. It is also a normal part of the faith experience.
Occasionally, God pulls back the "feeling" of his presence in order to stir us to pursue him more diligently.
Positive "self-talk" is biblical. Our inner monologue should drive us to trust in Christ.
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