Pride

(I did an earlier one using “pride” as an acronym for a worldview)

Say “Pride” and what comes to mind?
Gay Pride?
“Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen published in 1813?
The phrase:  Pride goes before a fall?
“Death Be Not Proud”, the poem by John Donne?

So, what is Pride?

From Merriam-Webster:

1. the quality or state of being proud: such as

a: inordinate self-esteem : CONCEIT

b: a reasonable or justifiable self-respect

There are two types of pride: one good and one bad.

The bad Pride is marked by arrogance, conceit, haughtiness, superiority, and offensive self-promotion (self glorification and promotion often not seeing or noting others).  The Bible warns about bad pride…
Proverbs 16:18, Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.

Job 35:12, There they cry out, but He does not answer, because of the pride of evil men.

Proverbs 8:13, The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; pride and arrogance.

Proverbs 29:23, A man’s pride will bring him low.

Daniel 4:37, And those who walk in pride He is able to put down.

Mark 7:20, And He said, “What comes out of a man, that defiles a man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts…lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. 

Obviously, God notes the bad Pride and condemns it – justifiably so!
May we not be marked by this pride and not let this roost in our children.

But there is another pride that is marked by satisfaction, humble respect, and pleasure.  Here are some ways Pride is acceptable…
I take pride in my work.
I take pride in my family.
I take pride in my church.
I take pride in my lineage.
I take pride in my country.
I take pride in my history (most of it).
I take pride in my Jesus.

This good Pride desires to speak well of an entity and do any and all to NOT bring a negative mark upon it.

I think of the bad pride as Pride with a big “I” and the good one as Pride with a small “i”.

Let’s be wise about Pride and be proud about the right things.