deeply rooted in the heart of
fallen man. By Charles Simeon. I hate pride
and arrogance. Proverbs chapter 8 verse 13. The Lord detests all the proud
of heart. Proverbs chapter 16 verse 5. The sin of pride is deeply rooted
in the heart of fallen man. We are prone to be puffed up
on the slightest occasion. We are vain of any natural endowments
of body or mind. The strong love to display their
strength, the beautiful love to display their beauty, a penetrating
mind, or a tenacious memory, are made grounds of self admiration
and self glorification. Any acquired distinctions also
become food for our vanity. The man of wealth, of honor,
or of power, Assumes a haughtiness from his elevation, and demands
homage from others as his due. Those proficient in any art or
science or ability. Caught applause, and delight
to have their talents admired. Even the gifts of grace, through
the depravity of our nature, become occasions of pride. An
ability to speak or pray with fluency is often exhibited more
for the purpose of attracting admiration than of glorifying
God. Whatever we are or have that
elevates us a little above our fellow creatures. Our proud hearts
are fond of displaying it and we are pleased with the flattering
attentions which it procures for us. God notes much folly
and wickedness in us when we pride ourselves in things so
empty, so worthless, so transient. Who makes you different from
anyone else? What do you have, that you did
not receive? And if you did receive it, why
do you boast as though you did not? 1 Corinthians chapter 4
verse 7