Personally, I see absolutely nothing wrong with pride. Jack is proud as a peacock and makes no bones about it. I've also observed that this biblical maxim does not play out as a general rule in the real world. I think it more likely that foolishness goes before a fall.
I wonder if the religious-minded discourage pride because self-confident individuals do not make for good converts.
Your thoughts?
This proud question has been brought to you courtesy of Jack
2007-07-20 02:13:29 · 12 answers · asked by Jack B, sinistral 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Edit:
Vain????? Moi????
2007-07-20 02:21:48 · update #1
I agree that some religous cults pry on people with a lack of confidence.
I didn't want to name names but I will name just one.
In my opinion, The Church of Scientology thrives on this.
Personal experience told me that. They tried to recruit me !
Fortunately, I have more pride than they counted on. I was quite upset about practically being kidnapped off the street. The recruiter (the book salesman) kept making comments. to try to make me open up to him. You seem shy. You seem nervous, blah blah blah. I was nervous because I was only a teenager and the recruiter was creepy (and I was all by myself). He just went into recruiting mode.
I eventually ran out !
People with little pride are easier to "manipulate" most likely.
They usually don't feel much self worth and therefore they respond to a cult which tells them that they're worth something (!) and that they will change their lives.
That's what Mr R. Hubbards books are all about. I can tell that by just having read the cover of one or two of them.
So to answer your question, pride does not "necessarily" go before a fall. It can often protect you.
Unless, you are perhaps blinded by your pride ...
Thank you for this insightful question Jack B handsome*
* I want to keep your pride intact. ;-)
2007-07-20 03:18:24 · answer #1 · answered by HAPPY HEART 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋
As Pride is one of the Seven Deadly Sins I would say YES.
Pride is the anti self-esteem, an emotion used to make you feel better about yourself and your situation. It isn't so much religious as a delusion of grandeur, which is a mental issue not religious.
When in reality what is going on isn't really great.
And the fall? Well it is a figure of speech, it may just be that reality lets you know your life sucks. And the things you're proud of have no real value and are just a waste.
It doesn't necessarily mean some violent event like death, that is just fanatical.
2007-07-20 02:50:42 · answer #2 · answered by Nurse Winchester 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
More prideful (or pride seeking) people join religion than remain atheists, and as for discouraging pride, many religions simply swap one form of pride (pride in the material world) for another (pride in the spiritual world.) Dirty water is dirty water, no matter what kind of glass you pour it in.
As for the its veracity, not everyone who is proud self-destructs (which is what the proverb is truly suggesting) but it is very likely that someone who is proud is paving the road towards it. Besides, how many examples does it take to make the maxim correct? (Enron, WorldCom, Adelphia)
Success today doesn't mean success tomorrow.
2007-07-20 02:32:00 · answer #3 · answered by Khnopff71 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Good morning, Jack!
Considering most Christians are proud of being Christian . . . .
And, I'm not an expert on this, but I thought pride was one of the seven deadly sins which . . . . I didn't realize were a part of the Bible. Of course, I've never read the Bible, so what do I know?
Pride that is in check is healthy. In my opinion anyway. Vanity on the other hand . . . . (this is me picking on Jack)
2007-07-20 02:18:25 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Sometimes it does. Think Napoleon.
I personally am a rather prideful person, and it does get me into trouble every now and then. But overall, pride is fine in moderation, and if it is justified.
I think the reason most Christian folk think pride is wrong is because they see it as taking credit for something that they didn't do themselves. (God did it.)
I'm a Christian and am fully against that viewpoint. If God made me the way I am, I should take pride in the skills and talents he gave me. Nothing wrong with that.
2007-07-20 02:17:12 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Most of the time.
Sometimes there is fall without pride,
and rarely pride without fall. I stand back and look on my work with satisfaction and pride....but to hear and say I am the best would be more like the pride before fall the Bible speaks of.
2007-07-20 02:21:04 · answer #6 · answered by dee 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually, that's one of the more misquoted verses in the Bible.
Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.
Proverbs 16:18
2007-07-20 03:00:21 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
*smile* While this won't actually answer your question, it presents me with the chance to share one of the most charming stores I've ever heard.
While attending an interfaith conference, a friend of mine had the opportunity to go listen to the Dalai Lama speak.
After the presentation, as he was leaving the stage, the Dalai Lama stumbled and fell...and my friend told me that at that point he looked up at the audience with a beaming, delighted smile, and said "I must have been being proud".
Gotta love someone like that.
2007-07-20 02:51:47 · answer #8 · answered by Raven's Voice 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Pride takes on various forms. You can be proud of your accomplishments as long as you don't become prideful (arrogant).
When we become prideful, that is when we are setting ourselves up for a fall.
2007-07-20 02:21:48 · answer #9 · answered by Mike V 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
(((((((Jack)))))))
many people have been asking for you
nice to see you back
I see nothing wrong with being proud of yourself for your efforts
as long as that pride doesnt become boastful or you are deluding yourself
but without pride , we wouldnt strive to do better for ourself and others
2007-07-20 02:19:29 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋