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Answer
Many proverbs caution against the sin of pride as a perilous offense. Proverbs 16:18 states, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” This verse is connected to verse 19: “It is better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly than to divide the spoil with the proud.” The message is straightforward: pride leads to disgrace. Choosing humility and modesty over pride and wealth is preferable.
Another proverb elaborates on this idea: “Before destruction one’s heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor” «Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, And before honour is humility. », (Proverbs 18:12 NLT). While pride paves the way for downfall, humility leads to respect. Opting for pride sets us up for failure; the pedestal we construct for ourselves is an unstable base.
In the context of these verses, pride refers to a self-important attitude that shows itself as a lack of reliance on God, contrasting sharply with humility. This arrogance poses risks to our well-being and achievements because it prevents us from revering the Lord. Conversely, “The reward for humility and fear of the LORD is riches and honor and life” «By humility and the fear of the LORD Are riches, and honour, and life. », (Proverbs 22:4).
To fear the Lord and thus evade the pride that precedes a downfall is to honor, respect, and yield to Him in all aspects of life. When we fear the Lord, we recognize our profound need for God because His wisdom surpasses ours: “Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil” «Be not wise in thine own eyes: Fear the LORD, and depart from evil. », (Proverbs 3:7).
Terms such as destruction, downfall, disaster, ruin, and downfall in these passages can be interpreted as a form of punishment or correction given to the arrogant to humble them and steer them back on the right path. The term “fall” originates from a verb meaning “stumble” or “stagger.” Uncontrolled pride leads to destruction; the purpose of the warnings in Scripture is to guide the proud sinner back to a path that leads to honor and life. Therefore, the proverbs consistently state, “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom” « When pride cometh, then cometh shame: But with the lowly is wisdom. », (Proverbs 11:2). Additionally, “Pride ends in humiliation, while humility brings honor” «A man’s pride shall bring him low: But honour shall uphold the humble in spirit. », (Proverbs 29:23, NLT).
The Edomites provide a classic example of the saying “pride goes before a fall.” Due to their arrogant hearts, Edom fell and never rose again: “The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who dwell in the clefts of the rock, whose dwelling is high, who say in your heart, ‘Who will bring me down to the ground?’ Though you ascend as high as the eagle, and though you set your nest among the stars, from there I will bring you down,” declares the LORD (Obadiah 1:3-4;see also verses 15-16). Many biblical prophets reiterate this message: “The proud one shall stumble and fall, with none to raise him up” (Jeremiah 50:32;ESV;see also Isaiah 28:3;Ezekiel 31:10-12;Zephaniah 3:11;Zechariah 10:11).
Arguably, the most striking and significant example of pride coming before a fall is the story of Lucifer, whose pride led to his rebellion against God. This rebellion resulted in his expulsion from heaven and eternal damnation. The consequences of his pride serve as a cautionary tale for all who dare to exalt themselves above God. Lucifer’s fall from grace serves as a stark reminder of the destructive power of unchecked pride. The story of Lucifer’s fall underscores the age-old truth that pride inevitably leads to downfall and destruction. The tale of Lucifer’s descent from heaven to hell stands as a poignant reminder of the consequences of pride and disobedience. Lucifer’s story serves as a powerful warning against the dangers of arrogance and the importance of humility before God.
A fall occurred in the Garden of Eden. Adam and Eve’s downfall is the root of every subsequent fall of humanity. They disobeyed God and arrogantly chose their own path. The resulting fall was disastrous.
The proud individual follows their own path, while the humble one obeys God’s Word. Finding joy in the Lord and obediently following His commands keeps us steady so that we do not slip or falter: “The LORD makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him” (Psalm 37:23;see also Psalm 18:36;see also Psalm 37:31). Humility and reverence for the Lord establish us securely on God’s path, where our feet will not stumble, and we will not fall (Proverbs 3:26;Psalm 17:5;Psalm 119:133).
