The Problem with Pride

Proverbs 16:18

April 16, 2023

Adrian Rogers

Sermon Overview

Scripture Passage: Proverbs 16:18

The problem with pride is that it is a dangerous and deceptive sin. Nothing brings more destruction to our nation, homes, and relationships than a prideful spirit.

Adrian Rogers says, “Pride is a problem that all wrestle with, and those who think they don’t have it probably have more of it.”

A good self-image or self-esteem is not pride, neither is receiving honor or awards we’ve worked for.

Pride is an attitude of independence from God; it is a spirit of ungratefulness to God. A prideful person esteems himself better than other people.

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

There are five ways pride will ruin and devastate our lives if we do not deal with it immediately.

Pride defies God; it is a fist in His face. Pride is what created the devil and ruined the human race in the Garden of Eden. God hates it, and when we harbor pride in our hearts, we become His adversary.
Pride defiles man; a person with pride in his heart was born with it. It is not something we learn, it is something we inherit.
Pride divides society; there has never been an argument, a war, a divorce, or church split apart where pride was not the major factor.
Pride dishonors life; in the pursuit of honor, pride brings shame. Proverbs 29:23 says, “A man’s pride will bring him low, but the humble in spirit will retain honor.”
Pride destroys souls; it is the road to ultimate ruin—national, domestic, financial, emotional, spiritual, and eternal ruin—because it destroys all that it controls.

Pride is a matter of the heart; if we are not right with God, we cannot be right with one another. But the grace of God is sufficient for everyone.

James 4:6 says, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

There is none so bad he cannot be saved, there is none so good he doesn’t need saving. Defeating pride begins with humbling ourselves before the Lord.

Apply it to your life

After considering the serious problem of pride, take some time today to evaluate your heart. Do you have a pride issue? Are you facing the consequences of a prideful spirit without even knowing it? Humble yourself before the Lord, and ask Him for forgiveness.