Proverbs 16:18-19 Pride goes before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud. 

‘Pride goes before destruction.’ Scripture provides clear examples of individuals and nations who fell because of pride: Asahel – His overconfidence in pursuit led to his death (2Sam. 2:18-23). Benhadad – His arrogant demands and refusal to heed the warning brought about defeat (1Kin. 20:3, 11, 32). Babylon – Boasted in self-security and wisdom, yet destruction came swiftly (Isa. 47:10-11). Azariah – Rejected God’s word and faced judgment (Jer. 43:2-11). Nebuchadnezzar – Exalted himself over Babylon, and God humbled him (Dan. 4:30-31). Edom – Trusted in their high position and strength, but were brought low (Obad. 1:3-4). Herod Agrippa – Accepted glory as a god and was struck down by God (Acts 12:21-23).

One of the core temptations of humanity is the pride of life (Gen. 3:6; 1Jn. 2:15-17). This form of pride often manifests through: Self-righteous boasting (Job 32:1). Seeking position and exaltation (Gen. 3:5; Ezek. 28:11-17; 1Tim. 3:6; 3Jn. 1:9). Craving power and control (Lev. 26:19). Trusting in wealth (Ps. 39:6; Ezek. 28:5). Boasting in beauty (Ezek. 28:11, 17). Pride in military strength (2Chr. 26:16). Glorying in sexual exploits, pleasures, and vanity (1Jn. 2:15; Ps. 24:4; 36:2; Isa. 3:16). These attitudes distance us from God and place confidence in self rather than in the Lord.

As Proverbs 16:19 reminds us: “Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.” In other words, it is far better to walk in humility among the humble than to align ourselves with the arrogant and their temporary gains.