The folly and wickedness of pride!

Various authors

(You will find it helpful to LISTEN to the Audio, as you READ the text below.)

"Who makes you different from anyone else?
 What do you have, that you did not receive?
 And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?"
     1 Corinthians 4:7

1. "Who makes you different from anyone else?"

This question strikes at the very root of pride. It reminds us that we are not self-made. If we are in the least way better than others--it is not ultimately due to our efforts or virtue, but to the sovereign blessing of God. He ordains our birth, abilities, opportunities, and circumstances. If we are more gifted, more knowledgeable, or more useful than others--it is not because we earned or deserved it. The moment we imagine that we are inherently better, we dethrone God as the Author of all that we are and have. Pride blinds us to the fact that every distinction between one sinner and another, is the result of God's gracious and undeserved choice. As Paul says elsewhere, "By the grace of God, I am what I am!" 1 Corinthians 15:10

2. "What do you have, that you did not receive?"

Pride feeds on the delusion of self-sufficiency. But this question exposes the truth: everything we possess--physical health, intellectual capacity, spiritual understanding, and every earthly or heavenly blessing--has been received. We brought nothing into this world, and we will take nothing out. Even the faith by which we are saved is "not from yourselves, it is the gift of God!" (Ephesians 2:8)

If we are saved, sanctified, and sustained, it is only because God has blessed us. The truly humble heart acknowledges that all is of grace, and therefore gives God all the glory. To boast in your superiority, is to forget the sovereign Potter, and exalt the vile clay!

Who gave you health, while others waste away?

Who gave you a sober mind, while others live in delusion?

Who gave you the knowledge of salvation, while others grope in darkness?

Surely it was not yourself!

3. "And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?"

Boasting is the outward expression of inward pride. To take credit for what we have received, is to steal God's glory. It is an insult to God--and an exaltation of self. Such boasting reveals a heart that refuses to see itself as it truly is: utterly dependent upon God. Pride is not only foolish--it is wicked! The proud man steals the glory from God, and exalts himself!

Let us then repent of all pride and self-esteem, whether in word or thought, and fall before the Giver of every good and perfect gift. Let us boast only in Jesus, who humbled Himself to save proud wretches like us. May His humility silence our pride, and teach us to walk gratefully before our God. May we flee from pride as from a deadly viper, and cling instead to the cross, where the proud are humbled by divine grace.

"The Lord detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished!" Proverbs 16:5

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You may want to read Spurgeon's outstanding sermon: "Pride Catechized and Condemned".