The Heart of Pride and Resentment

Pride is the most potent and unhealthy trait one possesses, but to allow resentment to be intertwined with pride is deadly to the soul. In Psalm 73 the psalmist laments his frustrations about the wicked prospering and due to this initial thought process, he stated he almost stumbled (73:2). Pride is a deadly weapon to the soul because it forms this insensitive response to wrong doing. Resentment is lethal because it aids the building of pride. When one grows this deep bitter barbarity towards others due to difficult life experiences, there’s a cold hard cynicism that doesn’t allow one to see God as good or his creation. When one abides in pride and resentment, a black hole is formed within oneself, and life is dark and empty. It becomes this desolate place that leaves only wicked motives and foreseen bad choices. As the psalmist continues, he states “the wicked wear pride like a jeweled necklace and clothe themselves with cruelty. They scoff and speak only evil; in their pride they seek to crush others” (73:6-8). The ailing attitude pride provides removes oneness with God and through this verse we see how this pompous posture strips the mind and soul of God’s goodness. Pride is deadly, and it only grants obdurate bitterness. Pride also births a very judgmental attitude and gives thoughts about others that forces one to see people as less than acceptable to what they believe is right and good. Pride places this authoritative ideology that they are absolutely better than others. It becomes a sickening disease to the mind and heart.

God’s desire is to not allow pride and resentment to dwell in our soul. Regardless of our life experiences, we have to seek the Lord’s council. The psalmist explains in his lack of understanding of why the wicked prosper, he decided to seek God in his sanctuary. He expressed “I went into your sanctuary, O God, and I finally understood the destiny of the wicked. Truly, you put them on a slippery path and send them sliding over the cliff of destruction. In an instant they are destroyed, completely swept away by terrors” (73:17-19). Pride destroys the one who dwells in it and the psalmist is explaining what will ultimately happen if we allow pride to reside in our hearts, but when we get in the presence of God and ask him for understanding, he will bring us into agreement with his thoughts and that will change the posture of our heart. When we seek God’s face and abide in his presence, it forces us to remove pride and see ourselves and others through the light of Christ. It’s through building our relationship with God and trusting the word to build our faith which strengthens us to grow and change to become all that God is calling us to be. As we assemble ourselves to be more like Christ, we will shred everything that isn’t like him. Pride and resentment will become obsolete and then we will truly dwell in God’s light.