“Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.”

The straightforward simplicity of this verse is a showstopper. The reality that pride is at the heart of most, if not all, contention and strife is powerful. With this truth comes the realization that, if we recognize it, we can be much quicker to calm and settle our differences. Watching an escalation of anger and hostility between individuals reveals just how true this is. “The verse suggests that almost all quarrels stem from pride—needing to be right, defending ego, or being overbearing. It’s not just a difference of opinion, but the arrogance in how that opinion is held that causes strife.” (AI resource) As followers of Christ, humility should be a birthmark of our souls. Jesus modeled the humility that we discussed before as the ultimate example. Humility is hard for the arrogant and prideful—if not impossible. There are times when it takes a supernatural work of the Holy Spirit to defeat our pride. Scripture tells us that pride comes before a fall. There is no value in being prideful. There is very little value in simply being right. Humility may even take us to the point of knowing we’re right, yet letting it go and being willing to be considered wrong. In reality, who won the national championship in 1973 doesn’t really matter—or whatever other ridiculous argument becomes hostile over being right. Besides, that’s what googles for. Wisdom says let it go. Wisdom also says be willing to learn from others, even when we so desperately want to be right. Today, relax and walk in humility as you say you do. #BeTheEdge

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,” Philippians 2:3 NIV