Pride

The biggest problem we face in living peacefully within ourselves, and peacefully with others, is pride. Depression, anger, malice, rudeness, short-tempers, marital conflict and every kind of hurt feelings, anger and grudges — everything that stands in the way of peace, love and reconciliations is rooted in pride.  

Because we are so attuned to thinking of ourselves first, if we’re not careful, we can go through life building an ever growing mental list of grievances, slights, offense and ways in which the world, and most of the portion of its population that we deal with, have disappointed or offended us. This is a terrible — but terribly common — way to live.  

And its not just me, and you, who do this. Our spouses, co-workers,  brethren, neighbors, etc. might well be doing this also. This can make living life like navigating a mine-field. Even worse, the dangers of the human pride-field can be set of by inadvertent action, a careless word or something taken in a way not intended. But any prideful actions that we take will certainly set it off. So in dealing with others we must always be mindful to swallow our pride, and make sure not to unnecessarily wound theirs. 

Prov. 15:1,2,4a“A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.

2The tongue of the wise makes knowledge acceptable, But the mouth of fools spouts folly.

4A soothing tongue is a tree of life…”

Being gentle, acceptable and soothing takes deliberate, humble effort.