Scripture makes it abundantly clear that pride always leads us down a path toward destruction. Pride destroys so many things, including our relationships. It causes us to hold on to anger, think of ourselves as better than the people around us, and refuse to forgive. If we want to let go of pride in our lives, which will destroy our relationships, we have to choose kindness and forgiveness instead of pride.
The writer of Proverbs 13 warns us that pride will destroy our relationships. He writes, "Pride leads to conflict" (verse 10). This teaching from Proverbs 13 is simple but profound: pride will bring about conflict and destruction in our relationships. When we act with pride, our relationships will struggle. We will act selfishly out of our own best interest. We will be quick to get angry and upset when people do not bend to our own will. We will make bad decisions that cause rifts in our relationships. We cannot live with pride and have healthy, thriving relationships.
If we want to have strong, Christ-honoring relationships, we cannot have pride. The question is, how do we live with humility instead of pride? The apostle Paul gives us a picture of how we can live this way. He writes in Ephesians 4, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you” (verses 31-32). If we want to live in humility instead of pride, we have to extend kindness and forgive. We have to remember how much Christ has forgiven us and choose to show others the same forgiveness that we have been shown. When we live this way instead of choosing pride, we will find that our relationships thrive, founded on kindness, humility, and a deep love for Christ.
Who have you been harboring anger or unforgiveness toward? How has it been negatively impacting you and your relationships? It is time today to choose humility and offer forgiveness. Now, forgiveness does not excuse what they did or how they hurt you, but it does offer you a chance to let go of your anger and frustration and forgive those who have hurt you. Take a step toward forgiving that person you have been struggling to forgive. In humility, forgive them, knowing that you, too, have also needed forgiveness. Ask God to help you as you seek to be a person who shows forgiveness instead of hanging on to pride.
1A wise child accepts a parent’s discipline;
a mocker refuses to listen to correction.
2 Wise words will win you a good meal,
but treacherous people have an appetite for violence.
3 Those who control their tongue will have a long life;
opening your mouth can ruin everything.
4 Lazy people want much but get little,
but those who work hard will prosper.
5 The godly hate lies;
the wicked cause shame and disgrace.
6 Godliness guards the path of the blameless,
but the evil are misled by sin.
7 Some who are poor pretend to be rich;
others who are rich pretend to be poor.
8 The rich can pay a ransom for their lives,
but the poor won’t even get threatened.
9 The life of the godly is full of light and joy,
but the light of the wicked will be snuffed out.
10 Pride leads to conflict;
those who take advice are wise.
11 Wealth from get-rich-quick schemes quickly disappears;
wealth from hard work grows over time.
12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life.
13 People who despise advice are asking for trouble;
those who respect a command will succeed.
14 The instruction of the wise is like a life-giving fountain;
those who accept it avoid the snares of death.
15 A person with good sense is respected;
a treacherous person is headed for destruction.
16 Wise people think before they act;
fools don’t—and even brag about their foolishness.
17 An unreliable messenger stumbles into trouble,
but a reliable messenger brings healing.
18 If you ignore criticism, you will end in poverty and disgrace;
if you accept correction, you will be honored.
19 It is pleasant to see dreams come true,
but fools refuse to turn from evil to attain them.
20 Walk with the wise and become wise;
associate with fools and get in trouble.
21 Trouble chases sinners,
while blessings reward the righteous.
22 Good people leave an inheritance to their grandchildren,
but the sinner’s wealth passes to the godly.
23 A poor person’s farm may produce much food,
but injustice sweeps it all away.
24 Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children.
Those who love their children care enough to discipline them.
25 The godly eat to their hearts’ content,
but the belly of the wicked goes hungry.
