Regardless of our viewpoint, each human has pride. Just like all humans have humility, it is just a matter of measurement. Whether it is high, low, in check or out of control. It is just a character of each of us.

How does pride manifest itself?

What are the garments that this sin wears? Pride can be subtle. It’s not like gluttony. When we’re gluttonous, we wear it. It’s obvious to everyone when we have eaten too much. When we are angry, it isn’t long before it impacts our relationships. There’s no hiding an angry spirit—not for long. When we are greedy, it isn’t long before it’s clear that what we want is money, money, and more money. When we are envious, it is obvious by our suspiciousness and our catty remarks toward people that we want what they’ve got. But when we are proud, there are all kinds of ways this sin can be demonstrated. Some of them are obvious, some of them very subtle.

What is your insights on being proud, having pride, being prideful…

Pride can include an air of superiority, an attitude of selfishness, and a win-at-any-cost determination where relationships are sacrificed on the altar of success. Overt pride makes us seek the praise of other people. We become glory hogs. We play to the grandstand. We are like peacocks displaying our feathers with flair.

Do you feel that approval seeking (codependent) can or is a form of pride? Why or why not.

Pride can also be subtle. Our culture is obsessed with things like physical attractiveness, wealth, knowledge, social status, and power over other people, and all of these things can feed pride. We can be proud of our physique, proud of our appearance. Proud of our job, Proud of our children. Proud of our church. We can put down other people who don’t measure up to what we think is the right standard. We can claim to have taste when in fact it’s nothing more than sophisticated pride. We can be anxious to make sure that other people know about our educational accomplishments.

How has pride crept into your life and character?

How easy it is to carry ourselves with arrogance rather than with a sense of gratitude for what God has given us.

A painful statement by one has been, “It took you four or five years to get your advanced degree, but it’s taken you forty or fifty years to get over it!” No one cares how many letters are after your name. No one cares how many diplomas hang on your wall. You may care, but you’re the only one. How subtle we are in our pride, holding ourselves aloof from those who haven’t reached the level that we’ve reached—winning Salesperson of the Year or rapidly rising through promotions. There is nothing wrong with those kinds of achievements. But how easy it is to carry ourselves with arrogance rather than with a sense of gratitude for what God has given us.

There are occasions when God finally says, “That’s enough.” That’s when He levels us. There’s an example in Daniel 4 of just such an occasion. Nebuchadnezzar had wealth, popularity, influence, and power. Then he had a dream—a warning to acknowledge that God is the One who is sovereign. But Nebuchadnezzar turned a deaf ear. So at the height of his pride, God knocked him down. Just like that, it was over.

God is able to humble anybody who walks in pride. Anybody! Presidential hopefuls. Magnificent athletes. Gifted and wealthy entrepreneurs. Capable homemakers. He is able to humble anybody, even bringing us to the point of insanity if necessary, until we learn that the Most High is able to humble those who walk in pride (Dan. 4:37). It’s better to learn humility in the presence of God before He knocks us down.

Has there been  any moments in your life where you have been humble by situations or God directly? What were your gleanings?

Let us be wise and attentive to our emotions and attitudes. Let us know allow pride sprout and influence the blessed life we have available.