Sober Wisdom in a Drunk-with-Pride World
- Bishop Keith Butler
- Sep 7, 2023
- 2 min read
Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. (Proverbs 16:18)
Pride and arrogance are dangerous to your spirit, soul, and body. In the same way that a drunk man loses his balance and sense of self-awareness, pride blinds us to what is going on in our lives and leads us down a path of destruction.
A few years ago, I was at a football game with my wife when the man next to her almost cracked her with his elbow, because he wasn’t paying attention, and he couldn’t help himself because he was drunk. I nicely told him he almost hit her and to watch himself. He stood up and swore at me and if I wasn’t a Christian, I would have knocked him down then and there. He wouldn’t have been able to fight back because he was drunk. When people are drunk, their equilibrium is off.
When we allow pride to fill us up like alcohol, we become oblivious to the harm our actions and words do to those around us. The Bible warns us in Proverbs 16:18 that pride comes before destruction, and a haughty spirit is before a fall. As Christians, we must be watchful of the arrogant tendencies we have as leaders, as family members, and as friends. We must foster a spirit of humility, always preferring others before ourselves. When we walk in humility, we become more sensitive to the needs of others around us and look to support and build them up.
Jesus lived life as a humble servant, and we should strive to sow honor by lifting others up as our way of living.
Practical Application
As you strive to live in humility, you will still encounter individuals displaying arrogance. As a believer, learn to respond with grace and patience. Don’t engage in arguments or react in anger. Instead, pray for them and show the love of Christ through our actions and our words.
