PRIDE

I decided to research the word “pride” remembering what I’d been taught early on in Sunday School class. Proverbs 16:18 says – “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”

When I turned to left-leaning Google to get an interpretation of pride, many things immediately popped up, some that only a few years ago, wouldn’t be considered prideful. I won’t go into those, yet will give my own interpretation on the meaning of pride.

To begin with, the first time I recall coming across the word was a reference to Presto Pride pots and pans. Mom had a set of the copper bottom cookware, and I remember having to use copper cleaner each time while washing dishes to keep them coppery, if that’s even a word.

My mother always expected her pots and pans to look brand new after my brother and I finished cleaning them. We did our best—with her still owning and using them right up until the end.

Deciding to find out what happened to Presto Pride, I discovered the cookware is no longer manufactured. Seeing that, no tears were shed. Those things were labor intensive while Jim and I lived at home.

Going way back, Alabama Crimson Tide used the words Bama Pride to describe their football team. It appears someone quickly saw a problem with that, most likely a minister, and Bama Fever was substituted instead.

Tiger Pride is now a reference to the Auburn Tigers. We see how well that turned out. The Tide have rolled most every year going back to Coach “Bear” Bryant, while The Pride constantly come up playing second fiddle.

Romans were full of pride, not only the elite, but common people living there as well. Over many years, pride is what helped destroy the civilization. It seems to be happening right now in this country. At the rate things are currently spiraling downhill, it shouldn’t be much longer ‘til we join the ranks of the proud Roman Empire where history is concerned.

The Webster’s 1828 Dictionary says this about pride: 1. Inordinate self-esteem; an unreasonable conceit of one’s own superiority in talents, beauty, wealth, accomplishments, rank in elevation in office, which manifests itself in lofty airs, distance, reserve, and often in contempt of others.”

The synonyms of pride are: conceit, arrogance, haughtiness, and narcissism. Pride is the act of giving ourselves credit for something God has done. I sometimes use the word proud, such as being proud of my children or grandchildren for things they’ve done.

Taking precedence over this type of good pride, blessed is the word. My pride for children or grandchildren having accomplished things, was only possible because they were blessed. Blessings are directly associated with, and come from, God.

Some examples that Google sees fit to call prideful don’t fit under the blessed definition. I believe in due time, much like Presto Pride pots and pans, including ancient Rome, these Google patronized and celebrated entities will fail as well.

James 4:6 says – “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”