“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” — Proverbs 16:18

“They said, ‘Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves…’” — Genesis 11:4

Pride rarely announces itself as pride.

More often, it dresses itself in strength, confidence, patriotism, vision, or “what’s best for the people.” It speaks boldly. It promises security. It claims authority. And if we’re not careful, it can sound convincing, even righteous.

Proverbs 16:18 does not warn us that pride might lead to destruction. It tells us plainly that it will. Pride is not merely a personal flaw; it is a spiritual condition that always seeks elevation, of self, power, image, or control, above submission to God.

We see this pattern clearly in Genesis 11.

At the Tower of Babel, humanity united not to glorify God, but to glorify itself. “Let us make a name for ourselves,” they said. Their goal was not worship, but legacy. Not obedience, but dominance. Not humility, but permanence. They wanted to reach heaven on their own terms.

God did not destroy the tower because humans were building it. He intervened because humans were exalting themselves.

That same spirit still operates today.

In every generation, leaders rise who speak confidently, promise greatness, and position themselves as the solution to fear and uncertainty. There is nothing wrong with leadership, but there is everything wrong with leadership fueled by pride rather than humility before God.

The danger deepens when followers of Jesus begin to excuse pride because the leader aligns with their preferences, values, or fears. When believers defend arrogance, dismiss cruelty, or overlook dishonesty because it feels politically useful, something sacred is compromised.

The kingdom of God is not advanced through pride.
The name of Jesus is not honored through arrogance.
And the gospel is never served by trading humility for influence.

Jesus Himself showed us a radically different way.

He did not grasp for power.
He did not elevate Himself.
He did not demand allegiance through force.

Instead, He washed their feet.
He spoke truth with love.
He laid down His life.

Philippians tells us that Jesus humbled Himself, even unto death, and because of that, God exalted Him.

That is God’s pattern:
Humility first. Exaltation later.
Obedience first. Authority later.
The cross before the crown.

As believers, our loyalty must always be examined.
Not by party.
Not by nation.
Not by personality.

But by Christ.

When pride becomes normalized, celebrated, or defended, destruction is already on the horizon, whether in a nation, a leader, or a church. Proverbs was not written to scare us, but to wake us.

This is a time for discernment.
A time for humility.
A time for followers of Jesus to remember that our hope does not come from power, but from the Prince of Peace.

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Prayer

Lord, search my heart.
Reveal where pride has taken root, personally or in what I support.
Teach me to follow You above all else.
Give me the courage to stand for humility, truth, and righteousness, even when it costs me comfort or approval.
Keep my eyes fixed on Your kingdom, not the kingdoms of this world.
Amen.

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