The wretched worm of the earth!
(Thomas Reade, “The Evil of Pride”) LISTEN to Audio! Download Audio
“God resists the proud.” James 4:6
Pride rules and governs the hearts of natural men! It is continually in operation.
Pride militates against the soul-humbling doctrines of the Gospel. Salvation by grace, through faith in the blood of Christ–is most offensive to the pride of the natural man.
The idea of being wholly indebted to another for admission into the kingdom of Heaven, is extremely disgusting to self-love. Such an idea is rejected with disdain by every heart unhumbled and untaught by the Spirit of God.
Fallen man needs to have some share in the great work of salvation, to have something whereof to boast. But God has declared that this shall not be. No flesh shall boast in His presence.
Oh! what cursed pride dwells in the heart of man!
But what will become of proud looks, and proud pretensions–when Christ shall sit on the throne of His glory, and render unto every man according to his works?
Then will the contrite soul, who, while on earth was trodden down by the foot of pride, be exalted to the heights of glory!
Then will the proud sinner, once admired and applauded, be hurled into the depths of Hell. The wretched worm of the earth, inflated with pride, will sink into endless woe!
“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” Proverbs 16:18
“The LORD detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished!” Proverbs 16:5
