“But if ye will not hear it, my soul shall weep in secret places for your pride; and mine eye shall weep sore, and run down with tears …” (Jeremiah 13:17)
To pity someone often means to look down upon them, or to feel sorry for them because they’re not where they should be. The proud hate the idea of being shown pity, and it is often most difficult to feel pity for the insolent and proud. We relish the thought of them “getting theirs.” This is not the Lord’s attitude. He is not willing for any to perish. He takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked. He would make every crooked thing straight, and every high thing low.
Those who want pity the least are those who need it most. They need those who will look past their sin to see their need. Do not harden your heart to those who are hard. Thank God Stephen pitied Saul, the proud Pharisee from Tarsus. Do not respond with pride toward the proud. Don’t tell them you pity them, but love them by praying for them. Weep in secret for the proud. Unless they come down from their lofty perch they are doomed to a horrible fall.