Neville Turley

There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him:

haughty eyes,

a lying tongue,

hands that shed innocent blood,

a heart that devises wicked schemes,

feet that are quick to rush into evil,

a false witness who pours out lies

and  a person who stirs up conflict in the community.

Proverbs 6:16–19 (NIV)

Top of the list, not surprisingly, is ‘haughty eyes’ or put another way ‘pride’.

People are guilty of pride when they are so convinced of their own capabilities that they show scant respect for God and no regard for others.  Their world revolves around their own egos.  Pride is a sin that is condemned repeatedly throughout the Bible.

In his first epistle Peter wrote, “All of you, clothe yourselves with humility towards one another, because, ‘God opposes the proud but shows favour to the humble'. Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” 1 Peter 5:5-6

Peter was talking from first-hand experience.  He knew that, "pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall." Proverbs 16:18  When Jesus was about to be arrested, Peter had proudly boasted, ‘even if all fall away on account of you, I never will’.  Matthew 26:23

Later he denied knowing Jesus three times with oaths and curses. (Matthew 26: 73)

It is easy to condemn Peter for his actions but Jesus did not, neither then, nor subsequently.  Peter, however, deeply regretted denying our Lord and wept bitter tears over what he had done. 

The Bible tells us that when Peter assured the resurrected Jesus of his love, the Good Shepherd responded, entrusting his flock to Peter’s care.  (John 21:15-17)

Pride does come before a fall but for those who truly regret their actions and turn to Jesus, there is no condemnation just love and upliftment.

Prayer: Almighty God, may you through the Holy Spirit renew your people with your heavenly grace.  Despite our many weaknesses, mercifully strengthen us by your mighty power for Jesus sake.  Amen