Today, somehow the boys and I got onto the subject of "pride" during devotions.

We came across some good warnings in Proverbs - the following are from the New International Reader's Version.  Josiah has The Adventure Bible for Young Readers - it is one of the best children's Bibles I've ever seen - there are many study facts and commentaries age appropriate (6-10 year olds)!

Prov 16:5  The LORD hates all those who have proud hearts.  You can be sure that they will be punished.

16:18  If you are proud, you will be destroyed.  If you are proud, you will fall.

18:12  If a man's heart is proud, he will be destroyed.  So don't be proud if you want to be honored.

21:4  Proud eyes and a proud heart are the lamp of sinful people.  But those things are evil.

26:12  Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes?  There is more hope for a foolish person than for him.

29:23  If a man is proud, he will be made low.  But if he isn't proud, he will be honored.

30:32

Have you been foolish?  Have you thought you were better than others?  Have you planned evil?  If you have, put your hand over your mouth and stop talking!

I particularly like the last one :o)  How many times have I thought I was better than others - unfortunately too many times to count (even in a day).  LORD help me, (and He does). 

This past Sunday, I was praying near the altar area and I opened my eyes to look at the people all around.  I've been a part of this congregation for most of my life so I know many of the people personally.  As I looked around, I saw people that I really know and when you "really" know people you may even know some of their weaknesses.  The Lord spoke to me about how love covers a multitude of sins.

1 Peter 4:8

8 Above all things have intense and unfailing love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins [forgives and disregards the offenses of others]. [Prov 10:12.]
AMP

Well, as I look at today's topic of discussion (pride) and Sunday's message from God (love) they fit perfectly.  How can I love my neighbor if I'm full of pride - thinking that I'm better than others?  I fervently asked the Lord today to "delivery" me from pride.  I can't imagine anyone having NO pride - somehow I think it's a part of our human nature - it's a constant fight.  But the Lord help us to be on guard - guarding our hearts Prov 4:23-27
23 Above all else, guard your heart ,
for it is the wellspring of life.
24 Put away perversity from your mouth;
keep corrupt talk far from your lips.
25 Let your eyes look straight ahead,
fix your gaze directly before you.
26 Make level paths for your feet
and take only ways that are firm.
27 Do not swerve to the right or the left;
keep your foot from evil.
NIV

Well, that's it for today - I have a lot to ponder and let "sink in."