Many would assume that pride is over confidence or over active self-esteem. The outwardly arrogant nature of pride leads to bragging, boasting, and an overly defensive nature. Many people think the arrogant, bragging, boastful person struggling with pride really believes their boasts and is an overly confident person. But bragging, boasting and the easily offended nature of those overly defensive is not caused by too much self-confidence but a lack of self-confidence. If they were truly confident in who they were they would not have to brag, boast and be self defensive. They wouldn't have to tear others down to build themselves up.
A person who is sure of themselves doesn't have to "prove" anything. Those who are confident and know who they are don't have to brag, look down on others to make themselves feel better, boast, nor be overly defensive when criticized. They can handle it. They are humble. They can admit when they are wrong. They know they are not better than anyone is and no one is better than they are. They don't have to prove anything to anyone or themselves.
Bragging and boasting comes from a person who is unconfident and so he/she over-compensates with bragging, boasting, and looking down on others faults while exalting themselves in their own eyes. Low self-esteem is pride.
Think back to high school or Jr. High. It wasn't the kids with good self-esteem who picked on everyone and thought they were better than everyone. It was the kids with empty holes in their hearts, longing for acceptance and popularity that took pride in their looks, social status, sports ability, money, intelligence, or circle of friends. They were proud, arrogant and snooty because down deep they were totally insecure and had major self-esteem problems. They were comparing themselves with others. To make them feel better about those they didn't match up to they belittled those who they felt superior too. Low self-esteem is what tempts us to the sin of pride.
Continue reading post @ Word For The Day ~ Pride ~ Another Name For Low Self-Esteem Is Pride ...
