Pride Is The Root of Strife

Proverbs 13:10  NKJV  “By pride comes nothing but strife, but with the well-advised is wisdom.”  

NLT  =  “Prides leads to conflict;  Those who take advice are wise.”  
 
Many times offenses are not actually rooted in deep injustice, but in wounded pride.  Pride wants recognition, agreement, validation, and personal preference.  When those things are not given, offense often begins to grow.  Proverbs says very plainly that:  “pride produces strife”.  
 
An offended person often says or thinks:  
         “They should have acknowledge me.”
         “They hurt my feelings.”
         “They overlooked me.”
         “They didn’t do things my way.” 
 
Pride elevates self and magnifies personal irritation.  But wisdom teaches us to humble ourselves and guard our mouth and hearts from offending and becoming self-focused.  Humility keeps the heart teachable, soft and stable.  Pride on the other hand keeps score, rehearses wrongs, and demands vindication.  
 
One of the enemy’s greatest tactics in relationships, churches, marriages and leadership is to inflame pride until offense becomes division.  Once pride takes root, people stop listening with understanding and begin interpreting everything through hurt feelings and suspicion.  
 
Jesus demonstrated the exact opposite spirit;  Though He was rejected, misunderstood, mocked, and falsely accused, He remained humble and yielded to the will of the Father.  Humility protects the heart from unnecessary offense because it keeps us submitted to God rather than ruled by out emotions.  
 
Wisdom Statement:  “An offended heart often reveals uncrucified flesh and pride.”