Pride is a Dangerous Thing

“When pride comes, then comes shame; But with the humble is wisdom.” Proverbs 11:2 NKJV

In a harrowing story published Monday that made global news Robert Schock, a 39-year-old ultrarunner,  reported that he set out on a 32-kilometer run in North Cascades National Park on July 31 clad with only his dog and a small backpack with limited supplies. Schock told Cascadia News that he was feeling adventurous that day and in search of stunning views, which prompted him to use a cable car suspended over the Chilliwack River to pull himself across to the opposite bank. But when he reached the other side, he became disoriented by the scenery, which had been altered by wildfires in recent years, and realized his phone had lost GPS service. “When I got out there, the trail was no longer there,” Schock told People. “I was curious to know what happened to this trail and my curiosity kind of kept me going.” On the second day, his phone died. But it wasn’t until the following day he realized he was hopelessly lost and began to worry. After being rescued nearly a month later just days from death, and having time to meditate on all that happened, Robert said “Many times I’ve placed myself in situations where I’d question if I’d ever make it back, and always did, usually through the aid of another who would come along and save me. I had a cocky attitude about it. This time was different. I knew, based on where I was, that the likelihood of help was almost zero. I was ready to die out there.”

And, you know, as this story shows, there’s nothing that can serve to strip a person of their pride or “cocky attitude” like a near death experience. Which is a good thing since unchecked pride eventually leads to spiritual death and disgrace. Hence the reason King Solomon, a man who ironically allowed his pride to override the wisdom God had given him said, “When pride comes, then comes shame; But with the humble is wisdom.” Because of the unchecked pride in his heart, Solomon acquired massive amounts of silver and gold and thousands of horses and chariots in direct defiance of God’s law—showing off all he had amassed to the Queen of Sheba. Solomons pride also led him to be disobedient in accumulating 700 pagan wives and 300 concubines, who eventually turned his heart away from God and led to his shame. 

So remember that pride is a dangerous thing my friend. It slips in slowly, silently, and sneakily and, if left unchecked, will lead a person to believe they are the captain of their own ship and maker of their own destiny—therefore having no need for God and no need to follow God. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that a prideful heart that takes its eyes off you can quickly cause us people to see themselves as self-made with no need for You. Furthermore, this attitude fails to acknowledge You as the Giver and Sustainer of all good things. In light of that, please help us to stay humble Lord that we might not reject the wisdom You have given us through the Word and through the Holy Spirit. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!