Being Haughty is Naughty

Proverbs 18:12: Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility. 

Proverbs 16:18: Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

haughty: having or showing arrogant superiority to and disdain of those one views as unworthy (synonyms of note: highfaulutin, huffy, presumptuous, self-assertive, stiff necked)

A haughty spirit is such a dangerous attitude to have. Individuals, regardless of age, who demonstrate this arrogant superiority and disdain to someone (usually an authority figure) whom they deem unworthy not only suffer because of it, but also their family members. It may be an individual sin, but its effects are wide spread. It is contagious. Parents who are haughty have children who pick up this attitude. Haughty church members tend to lead their closest friends and immature Christians down that road as well.

 

We must guard ourselves against those who have a prideful and haughty spirit. Beware of those who speak against authority figures - parents, husband, pastors, employers, government. Beware of those who try to set themselves up in positions of authority. Beware of those who complain "they are doing all the work". These attitudes sew seeds of contempt and contention. It is not God-honoring.