The Plague of Pride: A Call to Humility By: Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture: “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18)
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Introduction
In every generation, there arises a subtle yet deadly plague that infects the hearts of men and women across nations. That plague is pride. Unlike physical sicknesses, pride does not immediately announce itself through symptoms seen by the naked eye, yet its impact is far more destructive than many diseases known to man. Pride eats away at the soul, blinds the spiritual eyes, hardens the heart, and ultimately separates humanity from God.
Today, pride has become the reigning spirit of the age. Nations boast of their power, wealth, and influence, yet beneath their glittering image lies decay, rebellion, and moral collapse. Individuals, too, are ensnared in the endless pursuit of self-image, beautification, and projection of greatness, all at the expense of humility before God. This intoxication of pride has blinded many, turning their eyes from the truth of God’s word to the lies of self-exaltation.
The Bible is replete with examples of how pride brought down kings, nations, and entire civilizations. God, who resists the proud but gives grace to the humble, has continually warned humanity that pride is an abomination before Him. Pride is not merely a weakness or character flaw; it is a spiritual rebellion rooted in the very fall of Lucifer, the enemy of our souls. It is deception at its core, promising greatness while delivering destruction.
This lesson explores the reality of pride as a plague, its manifestations in our personal lives and societies, the biblical warnings against it, and the divine call to humility. It challenges us to examine our own hearts, to recognize the stench of pride wherever it lurks, and to choose the path of humility that leads to life, freedom, and eternal communion with God.
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The Nature of Pride as a Spiritual Plague
“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” (James 4:6)
Pride is more than an attitude; it is a spiritual plague that spreads rapidly and infects everything it touches. Just as a deadly disease spreads silently, pride seeps into the human heart, often unnoticed until its consequences become visible. It thrives on self-centeredness, false images, and a relentless obsession with one’s own greatness.
Like drunkenness, pride intoxicates. The proud person is convinced of their rightness, even when surrounded by evidence of their failure. Pride convinces individuals, families, and even nations that they can stand apart from God, charting their own path without acknowledging Him. Such pride is a direct insult to the sovereignty of God, and He will not let it go unpunished.
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The Manifestations of Pride in Society
“For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.” (1 John 2:16)
In our generation, pride manifests in countless forms. We see it in the obsession with appearance, where people spend vast sums of money to create an image that pleases the eyes of men while disregarding how they appear before God. Costumes, jewels, and accessories may dazzle the world, but to God, they often represent emptiness and vanity.
We also see pride in nations that exalt themselves above God, proclaiming greatness while sinking deeper into corruption, rebellion, and immorality. Governments boast of their power, military strength, and innovations, yet they collapse under the weight of their arrogance.
Pride is also visible in religious circles, where individuals refuse correction, reject prophetic warnings, and pursue their own doctrines rather than submitting to God’s truth. In every case, pride blinds, deceives, and destroys.
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Biblical Warnings Against Pride
“The Lord Almighty has a day in store for all the proud and lofty, for all that is exalted (and they will be humbled).” (Isaiah 2:12)
From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible consistently warns about the danger of pride. The fall of Lucifer (Isaiah 14:12–15), the arrogance of Pharaoh (Exodus 5:2), the downfall of Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 4:30–33), and the collapse of nations like Israel and Judah due to rebellion, all testify to the destructive power of pride.
God sent prophets to warn His people, yet they rejected the messengers, even killing them, because their hearts were hardened by pride. Pride convinces people that they are right even in the face of clear evidence that they are wrong. This spiritual blindness leads to captivity, destruction, and separation from the blessings of God.
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Pride as the Deception of the Enemy
“You said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God… I will make myself like the Most High.’ But you are brought down to the realm of the dead.” (Isaiah 14:13–15)
The origin of pride is found in Satan himself. Before his fall, Lucifer was adorned with beauty and splendor, yet pride was found in his heart. His desire to exalt himself above God led to his expulsion from heaven, setting the pattern for all rebellion that follows.
Satan continues to use the same tactics today, seducing men and women with lies of greatness, beauty, and self-sufficiency. Once ensnared, individuals find themselves trapped, unable to free themselves without God’s intervention. Pride is the devil’s bait, and countless souls have swallowed it, only to be dragged into destruction.
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The Consequences of Pride
“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18)
The consequences of pride are severe and inevitable. Nations collapse, leaders are humbled, and individuals lose their way when they embrace pride. Pride brings devastation, captivity, and separation from God. It not only destroys the proud but also affects their families, communities, and generations that follow.
Even those who have known the truth of God’s mercy can fall back into pride. When believers, redeemed by the blood of Jesus, return to self-exaltation and arrogance, their judgment becomes even greater. God considers such rebellion not only foolish but also contemptible.
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The Call to Humility
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” (1 Peter 5:6)
Against the plague of pride, God offers the cure of humility. Humility is not weakness; it is strength under God’s control. It is the recognition that without Him, we are nothing. Humility draws us closer to God, opens the door to His grace, and shields us from the deceptions of the enemy.
Jesus Himself modeled humility by leaving the glory of heaven, taking on human flesh, and dying on the cross for our redemption (Philippians 2:5–8). As His followers, we are called to walk in the same spirit of humility, esteeming others above ourselves and surrendering fully to God’s will.
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Guarding Our Hearts Against Pride
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” (Proverbs 4:23)
To resist pride, we must be vigilant and intentional. Pride creeps in quietly, often disguised as confidence, achievement, or even false humility. We must daily examine our hearts in the light of God’s word, repent where pride has taken root, and ask the Holy Spirit to cleanse us.
We must also live with an eternal perspective. The applause of men is temporary, but God’s approval is eternal. True greatness is not in projecting an image but in living faithfully before God.
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Summary
Pride is a deadly plague that has destroyed individuals, leaders, and nations throughout history. It is the root of rebellion, deception, and separation from God. While pride intoxicates and deceives, humility preserves, protects, and positions us for God’s grace. The Bible warns repeatedly of the danger of pride and points us to humility as the only safe path. Jesus modeled humility, and we are called to follow His example.
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Conclusion
We live in an age where pride is celebrated, and humility is despised. Yet God’s truth has not changed: He opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Pride brings destruction, while humility brings life. As believers, we must guard our hearts, resist the deception of pride, and walk daily in the humility of Christ.
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Call to Action
Examine your heart today. Where has pride taken root in your thoughts, actions, or ambitions? Repent and surrender those areas to God. Choose humility as your covering. Resist the applause of men and seek the approval of God. Commit yourself to walk in the footsteps of Jesus, who humbled Himself for your sake.
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Final Word of Encouragement
Do not be deceived by the glittering lies of pride. They promise greatness but deliver destruction. Instead, embrace humility, for it is the pathway to God’s grace, peace, and eternal reward. Remember that true beauty and greatness are found not in outward appearance but in a heart surrendered to God.
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Salvation Prayer
Heavenly Father, I come before You acknowledging that I am a sinner in need of Your grace. I confess that pride has no place in my life, and I repent of every way I have exalted myself above Your will. I believe that Jesus Christ, Your Son, humbled Himself to die on the cross for my sins and rose again to give me eternal life. Today, I surrender my heart to Him as my Lord and Savior. Cleanse me, fill me with Your Spirit, and help me to walk in humility all the days of my life. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
