Pride Sometimes Looks Like Feeling Small

You end up in the same argument with the same person for the tenth time. It feels like it is about what they said. Solomon points somewhere else first.

Proverbs 13:10 says, "Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom." Only by pride. That is a strong claim, and it lands differently once you see what pride actually is.

Pride is not only thinking you are better than people. It is being the centre of your own frame. So it also shows up as feeling small, replaying how you came across, assuming the room is talking about you. Self focus in a shy costume is still self focus.

Moses got publicly criticised by his own brother and sister in Numbers 12, and he prayed for them instead. Numbers 12:3 says, "Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth." He wrote that about himself, which sounds strange until you realise meekness is not a low opinion of yourself. He simply was not the centre of his own story.

Jesus took it all the way. Luke 23:34 says, "Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." That is not a man managing his temper well. That is someone completely free from needing to defend Himself.

None of this means the harm done to you was imaginary, or that you should stay somewhere you are being hurt. It means your peace does not have to wait for them to change. Christ's own humility is already in you, and the Holy Spirit is willing to soften the reaction before it leaves your mouth.