Only by pride cometh contention– Proverbs 13:10This powerful verse brings arguments to an agreeable conclusion, lost tempers to a cool self-examination, and finger pointing to a swift end.
Only by pride is there contention, or conflict. Arguments and fights do not come because one person is right and another is wrong. They only come by way of pride.
No matter how loudly we may shout our innocence, no matter how cleverly we may defend our cause, no matter how furiously we may justify our position — only by pride comes contention. Do you pretend that you are free of pride? Can you honestly argue that the problems in your life are all because of other people’s pride?
As C.S. Lewis said, “[Pride] is one vice of which no man in the world is free.” For this reason, every conflict in every home requires strenuous and honest self-examination, from husbands, wives, parents, and children alike.
What have you done to contribute to the current tension in our lives? What could you have said differently to avoid giving offense? How have you allowed your pride to escalate what could have been a productive discussion or honest disagreement? How have you disregarded God‘s role for you in your life?
If each member of society spends concerted time and sincere energy in searching his or her own heart and motive and conduct, the confession of pride will be universal within the home. No one is guiltless; everyone has pride.
With this confession, with this realization, however, comes great hope. There is a solution! As each one in the home humbles themselves before God, the strife in the home will slowly but surely dissipate. When pride is gone, the tension will be gone.
Let it then begin with you.
Pastor Mike Says 