This month I read a Chapter from Proverbs each day. The 16th chapter is one of my favorites. One of the well known passages is Proverbs 16:18 - "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall,” I paused and took time to read some commentary on the verse. I appreciated how the writer says that this passage doesn’t mean that we should put ourselves down or belittle our gifts and talents. Then this phrase popped up in my spirit.
“Pride may come before a fall, but that doesn’t mean we dim our light at all.” Sheila P Spencer
Pride that comes with an arrogance and sense of self importance that belittles others is destructive. Pride that prevents us from vulnerability and asking for help are missed opportunities for collaboration and support. Pride that makes no space to be open to learning or admitting we are wrong isolates us. This is the Pride that sets us up for the fall.
The opposite of this type of pride is not dimming your light.
There is the pride that allows you to shine your light authentically without the need for arrogance or narcissism, .There is the pride allows recognizing your strengths and accomplishments while also acknowledging that they are not the sole measure of your worth, and that others have their own strengths and contributions.
There is the pride that can confidently express your talents and abilities while still valuing and respecting the talents and contributions of others. It's not about diminishing your light, but rather allowing it to shine in a way that uplifts and benefits both yourself and those around you.
We’re Designed to Shine - There are several passage that encourage us to shine our light and not dim it. They emphasize the importance of living a life that reflects God's love and truth, being a positive influence on others, and not hiding one's faith or gifts.
“You are the world’s light—a city on a hill, glowing in the night for all to see. Don’t hide your light! Let it shine for all; let your good deeds glow for all to see, “ Matthew 5:14-16
We have gifts and talents to share with the world. Celebrating who we are and the gifts we have with the world means we shine.
“Pride may come before a fall, but it doesn’t mean we dim our light at all. That was never Gd’s design, we were created to SHINE!”
Sheila P Spencer