Sin runs rampant in the prideful

Luke 18:9-14
"And [Jesus] also told this parable to some people who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and viewed others with contempt: 
“Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and was praying this to himself: ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other people: swindlers, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 
I fast twice a week; I pay tithes of all that I get.’ 

But the tax collector, standing some distance away, was even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, the sinner!’ 

I tell you, this man went to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
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I have lived and seen sin running rampant in prideful people.  I think they truly believe they are righteous before God.  

I think they may even believe that God is lucky to have them:

"They see what we have, and they want to be like us."

Pride is an ugly thing.  To watch it play out with no stops is gross. To fathom the years which fly by as their true mounting sins seemingly get a "pass" from the LORD is almost agony to behold --- until I remember that the LORD is a righteous and just God.

My desire it to know they repent before the LORD!  The LORD will hold them accountable, in fact, He is holding them accountable right now. It is not for me to know, and it is for this that I struggle.  

There are consequences to pride.

Proverbs 11:2
"When pride comes, then comes dishonor,
But with the humble is wisdom."

Proverbs 13:10 
(NIV)
"Where there is strife, there is pride,
    but wisdom is found in those who take advice."

(NAS)
"Through insolence comes nothing but strife,
But wisdom is with those who receive counsel."

Proverbs 16:5
"Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord;
Assuredly, he will not be unpunished."

Proverbs 16:18
"Pride goes before destruction,
And a haughty spirit before stumbling."

Proverbs 18:12
"Before destruction the heart of man is haughty,
But humility goes before honor."

Proverbs 26:12
(NAS)
"Do you see a man wise in his own eyes?
There is more hope for a fool than for him."

(KJV)
"Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? 
there is more hope of a fool than of him."

Proverbs 29:23
"A man’s pride will bring him low,
But a humble spirit will obtain honor."

Galatians 6:3
"For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, 
he deceives himself."

Heed the LORD while it is still today:

Galatians 6:1-10
"Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, 
you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; 
each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted. 

Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ. 

For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 

But each one must examine his own work, 
and then he will have reason for boasting in regard to himself alone, 
and not in regard to another. 

For each one will bear his own load.


The one who is taught the word is to share 
all good things with the one who teaches him. 

Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; 
for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. 

For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, 
but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. 

Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time 
we will reap if we do not grow weary. 

So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, 
and especially to those who are of the household of the faith."