“He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife …” (Prov. 28:25)
Proud people consume each other. There is no end to their conflict. Like Messala, in Ben-Hur, the proud man will taunt his opponent with his dying breath: “It goes on, Judah. The race is not over!”
To walk in the pride of life is to be of this world, and not of the Father. It surely means that you love yourself more than God or your fellow-man. You are catalyst for strife, not for peace, and you can be assured: there is no place for you in the kingdom to come.
The proud person is a highly competitive person. He is addicted to winning. He needs to be first, best, victorious. And because of his “me-first” attitude, he easily angers others. “Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath.” (Prov. 21:24)
If we would pursue peace with all men, we must cherish humility. Humble people can best bear with a big-ego. The proud are most angered by other proud people. Any display of boasting or superiority is enough to start a war. The competitive juices start to flow all around. “Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.” (Prov. 13:10)
Where is the wise man? Where are the meek and lowly of heart? Where are those who walk in the footsteps of the Prince of Peace? Only they will see God and inherit the kingdom to come. Be willing to be last and least. The “losers” in this life will be the biggest winners in the life to come.