THE ROOT OF BITTERNESS IS IN ALL MEN 

Chapter 22

PRIDE IS CONCEIVED WHEN WE TAKE OUR EYES OFF GOD,
AND COMPARE OURSELVES TO OTHER MEN

10-29-06

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(Prov 16:18)  Pride [arrogancy, excellency, majesty, pomp, pride, proud, swelling] goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

1.       pride = Dict: 1. high or inordinate opinion of one’s own dignity, importance, merit, or superiority, whether as cherished in the mind, or as displayed in bearing, conduct, etc. 2. the state of feeling or being proud.

2.       proud = Dict: feeling pleasure or satisfaction over something conceived as highly honorable or creditable to oneself.

3.       (1 Sam 17:4)  And there went out a champion out of the camp of the Philistines [rolling, migratory], named Goliath [exile /// to denude (espec. in a disgraceful sense); by impl. to exile (captives being usually stripped); fig. to reveal: disclose, X shamelessly, uncover], of Gath [(in the sense of treading out grapes); a wine-press (or vat for holding the grapes in pressing them)], whose height was six cubits and a span [10 to 12 feet tall - high].

4.       (1 Sam 17:42)  And when the Philistine looked about, and saw David [loving, beloved], he disdained him [despised him]: for he was but a youth, and ruddy [of light complexion], and of a fair countenance.

5.       Commentary: pride is conceived when we take our eyes off God, and compare ourselves to other men. If we look to God, if we maintain our focus on God and not on others, we shall have no grounds for prideful comparison.

6.       (1 Sam 17:26)  And David spake to the men that stood by him, saying, What shall be done to the man that killeth this Philistine [1 Sam 17:32,37], and taketh away the reproach [disgrace] from Israel? for who is this uncircumcised Philistine [1 Sam 17:36], that he should defy the armies of the living God?

[Ed: "The Pride-Humility Scale"]

THE PUBLICAN AND THE PHARISEE

(Luke 18:9-14)  And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee [a separatist, i.e. exclusively religious], and the other a publican [a tax collector]. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man [the publican] went down to his house justified [rendered just or innocent: made righteous] rather than the other [the Pharisee]: for every one that exalteth himself [to elevate: lift up] shall be abased [humiliated: brought low]; and he that humbleth himself [to humiliate (in condition or heart):--abase, bring low, humble (self)] shall be exalted.

1.       merciful = Gk: to conciliate, to atone for (sin), or be propitious: be merciful, make reconciliation for.

2.       merciful = Dict: full of mercy; exercising or characterized by mercy; compassionate. (Syn, kind, clement, lenient).

3.       mercy = Dict: compassionate or kindly forbearance shown toward an offender, an enemy, or other person in one’s power; compassion, pity, or benevolence.

4.       compassion = Dict: a feeling of sorrow or pity for the sufferings or misfortune of another; sympathy. 

5.       conciliate = Dict: 1. to overcome the distrust or hostility of, by soothing or pacifying means; placate; win over. 2. to win or gain (regard or favor). 3. to render compatible; reconcile. (Syn. propitiate. See appease).

6.       propitiate = Dict: to make favorably inclined; appease; conciliate.

7.       The Living Bible: The Pharisee did not go to the Temple to pray to God but to announce to all within earshot how good he was. The tax collector went recognizing his sin and begging for mercy. Self-righteousness is dangerous. It leads to pride, causes a person to despise others, and prevents him or her from learning anything from God. The tax collector’s prayer should be our prayer because we all need God’s mercy every day. Don’t let pride disqualify you.

8.      The Full Life Study Bible: The Pharisee was self-righteous. A self-righteous person thinks he is righteous because of his own efforts: he is not conscious of the sinful nature within him, his own unworthiness, and his constant need for God’s help, mercy, and grace. The Publican, on the other hand, was deeply conscious of his sin and guilt, and in true repentance turned from sin to God for forgiveness and mercy. He typifies the true child of God.

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