18 Pride goes before destruction,
A HAUGHTY SPIRIT BEFORE A FALL.
19 BETTER TO BE LOWLY IN SPIRIT along with the oppressed
than to share plunder with the proud. Proverbs 16
Pride, the sin that God hates most! Andrew Murray in his book on Humility, called it ‘devilish pride’. Peter Wagner, also in his book of the same name, Humility, said he prayed two things every day. THAT GOD WOULD KEEP HIM FROM PRIDE AND A SHARP TONGUE. Wagner also prayed for a fresh infilling of the Holy Spirit each day because we believers are prone to leak here on this earth.
Derek Prince said that the sin of Pride/Haughtiness first broke out in Heaven. Satan became proud and gathered a third of the angels in rebellion against God, before he was kicked out. Imagine the size and scope of such a rebellion right in the place of God’s dwelling. We can never for a moment assume that we are free from pride while we live here in the flesh and where the devil still has influence.
19 Whoever loves a quarrel loves sin;
whoever builds a high gate invites destruction.
20 One whose heart is corrupt does not prosper;
one whose tongue is perverse FALLS INTO TROUBLE. Proverbs 17
Same scriptures in different versions, helps bring out the meaning.
19 Sinners love to fight; BOASTING is looking for trouble.
20 An evil man is suspicious of everyone and tumbles (Falls) into constant trouble. Proverbs 17, The Living Bible
And also in The Message Bible (MSG)
19 The person who courts sin marries trouble;
build a wall, invite a burglar.
20 A bad motive can’t achieve a good end;
double-talk brings you double trouble. Proverbs 17, MSG
Peter Wagner was a mature believer, as was Derek Prince when they speculated on the danger of Pride to the believer. They saw the threat of Pride and were aware that it could steal a lifetime’s reward if it ever took hold. We owe our lives to the Lord, because He spent His time on earth in submission to the Father. May He keep us humble and faithful throughout our lives here.
God bless and keep you today. Immanuel, God is with us.