Seven Deadly Sins: Pride

Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall.

Proverbs 16:18

There are various definitions for the word pride.  On the positive side, there is:  a reasonable or justifiable self-respect; a delight or elation arising from some act, possession, or relationship.  On the negative side, there is: inordinate self-esteem; proud or disdainful behavior or treatment; ostentatious display. Pride that is turned outward is good pride (I am so proud of my daughters!); pride that is turned completely inward can become selfishness, conceit and arrogance.

Within the context of the Seven Deadly Sins, pride is thinking that you are better than everyone else. Arrogance is overbearing, haughty, and self-important.  Arrogance sees itself as better than those around it - cleverer, smarter, wiser.  Arrogance has no problem talking behind your back or insulting you to your face. It can say whatever it wants, because you simply don't matter.  Arrogance can elevate itself to the place where it is better than God, and thus invincible.

Recently, a young woman of my acquaintance had a visit from her parents, who met her roommate for the first time.  After they left, the roommate made a searingly personal, cutting remark to the girl, based on the parents' appearance and obvious lack of wealth.  Her remark revealed far more about her own arrogance and lack of class than her opinion of total strangers.  All of us see people that we instantly form opinions about; most of us have the grace never to give those opinions voice.  It is only the arrogant that feel they have the right to say whatever they please because they are so superior.  God has a very strong opinion about how we treat those around us.  Arrogance is one of the Seven Deadly Sins because it sees no one else but itself.