Pride, in the negative connotation, refers to an individual with an inflated sense of his personal status or accomplishments. When you have an inflated sense of self you don’t have patience, you will not wait in line because your pride tells you that you are too important to be waiting in line. Not only do they have no tolerance for waiting, they lack the capacity to endure trouble or suffering they are quickly angered during these times.

The author of the book of Ecclesiastes is sometimes called the preacher, and this is what the preacher says about pride. “Patience is better than pride.” Ecclesiastes 7:8b (NLT) The preacher shows us something that is better than pride, and that something is patience! The word “better” adds more value to patience. The person who is patient demonstrates the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset.

The benefit or reward for having patience is strength. They that wait on the Lord will be renewed with strength (Isaiah 40:31). The reward for pride is destruction: “Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before stumbling.” Proverbs 16:18 (NASB)

My dear friend, are you patient or prideful? If you are prideful, it’s never too late to change!

Be Blessed,

Bishop Jemmott

Purchase Bishop Jemmott’s books and sermons including his latest release entitled “Still Standing” here.