Man’s pride reaches such a high level that God, in His justice, allows brokenness in his life. Pride elevates the heart above its proper place and leads the individual to trust in himself rather than in the Lord. When this happens, the heart becomes hardened, resistant to correction, and deaf to divine instruction. As a result, God, who is both just and merciful, permits brokenness not as an act of cruelty, but as a necessary means of discipline and correction.
The proud heart rejects the wisdom of the Lord, assuming that human reasoning is sufficient to navigate life. Pride convinces man that he does not need God’s guidance, His Word, or His commandments. This rejection of divine wisdom inevitably leads to spiritual, moral, and often personal collapse. Brokenness, then, becomes the natural consequence of a life that insists on independence from God, refusing to acknowledge Him as Lord.
Pride sets man against God, leading him to act according to his own thoughts and to walk in paths of evil. Scripture consistently presents pride as the root of rebellion. From the fall of Lucifer to the disobedience of Adam and Eve, pride has always driven creation to exalt itself above the authority of God. When man elevates his own desires, opinions, and ambitions above the will of the Lord, he inevitably steps onto a path of disobedience.
This self-centered way of living causes man to reject the statutes and divine will of the Lord. Pride does not always appear as arrogance in speech or behavior; often it disguises itself as self-reliance, stubbornness, or an unwillingness to repent. Yet, regardless of its form, pride always produces the same result: separation from God’s wisdom and exposure to destruction.
In chapter 16 of the book of Proverbs, we see clearly that the pride of man or woman is an abomination before the Lord. This strong language reveals how seriously God views pride, not because He is threatened by human arrogance, but because pride destroys the very people He created to walk in humility and fellowship with Him.
Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
Proverbs 16:18
This proverb reveals a spiritual principle that never fails. Pride always precedes destruction. The fall may not come immediately, but it is inevitable. A haughty spirit creates blindness, preventing a person from recognizing warning signs, receiving counsel, or submitting to correction. When pride governs the heart, downfall is not a possibility—it is a certainty.
If pride is an abomination before God, then it becomes clear why He allows the breaking of the man or woman of evil conduct. God’s discipline is not meant to destroy permanently, but to expose sin and lead to repentance. In His mercy, He breaks pride so that the soul may be restored. Through brokenness, God removes false security, strips away self-sufficiency, and reveals the emptiness of life lived apart from Him.
We must remember that pride opposes wisdom. Wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord, while pride dismisses that fear entirely. In rejecting wisdom, pride rejects the will of God and sets the heart against the Lord of hosts. This opposition places the proud person in a dangerous position, standing against the very One who gives life, breath, and purpose.
The proud man ignores the wisdom and work of God, acting according to his own understanding. He believes that his achievements, intelligence, or strength are sufficient to sustain him. Yet Scripture reminds us that human understanding is limited and flawed. Pride causes man to forget that every ability he possesses is a gift from God and that without Him, nothing truly prospers.
However, the proud heart forgets a sobering truth: pride will eventually bring judgment and breaking upon his life. This judgment may come in many forms—failed plans, broken relationships, loss, or inner emptiness. God resists the proud, but He gives grace to the humble. When pride remains unrepented, resistance from God becomes unavoidable.
Yet, even in judgment, God’s mercy is present. Brokenness is often the moment when pride finally collapses and the heart becomes receptive to truth. Many who walk humbly with God today first encountered Him through seasons of pain brought about by pride. God uses these moments to call His people back to dependence, humility, and obedience.
Wise man or woman, do not set your heart on pride. Pride promises control and independence, but it delivers loss and ruin. Wisdom calls us to humility, to recognize our need for God daily, and to submit our plans to His will. A humble heart is teachable, repentant, and open to correction, and such a heart finds favor with God.
And if you have fallen into pride, humble yourself before God. Scripture assures us that God is faithful to forgive and restore those who come to Him with a contrite heart. Pray that He will help you, cleanse you, and reshape your heart according to His truth. Deliverance from pride begins with confession and surrender.
May we learn from the wisdom of Proverbs and choose humility over arrogance, submission over rebellion, and wisdom over self-reliance. In doing so, we will avoid the breaking that comes upon the proud and instead walk in the blessing, peace, and guidance that God grants to those who humble themselves before Him.