The Silent Killer: Pride
- Heather Edmund
- Jun 30
- 5 min read
Updated: Jun 30
Pride is a silent destroyer. It doesn’t always show up with loud arrogance or defiance—sometimes, it hides behind good intentions, strong opinions, or a refusal to change. But its effects can be devastating. One of the clearest biblical examples of this is found in the story of Pharaoh.
When Relief Isn't Repentance
Often, once we experience relief from a difficult situation, we slip back into old habits. Instead of letting hardship lead us to true transformation, we treat God like a temporary solution. This is why we need Him to change us from the inside out—otherwise, we’ll repeat the same cycles again and again (Exodus 8:15).
Pharaoh did the exact same thing. Even after God lifted the plague of frogs, Pharaoh’s heart remained hardened (Exodus 8:15, 31–32; 9:34; 14:5–7). He was more interested in relief than repentance.
Ignoring Clear Signs
Before that, Pharaoh had already seen undeniable signs of God’s power. When Moses’ staff turned into a serpent and swallowed the staffs of Egypt’s magicians, Pharaoh should have recognized that he was dealing with someone greater (Exodus 7:10–12). And still, he hardened his heart.
Then came another sign: the water of Egypt turned to blood, not just in the rivers but even inside their homes—a powerful, disruptive miracle that no magician could reverse (Exodus 7:20–21). Yet despite all this, Pharaoh clung to his pride.
Because of his pride and stubbornness, Pharaoh refused to humble himself, change, or submit to God (Exodus 8:32).
No matter how severe the consequences, Egypt's king always returns to obstinance. It will take ten plagues, each more devastating than the last, before he actually allows the people to leave (Exodus 12:30–31, 41). Even then, he will change his mind and pursue Israel (Exodus 14:6–7), resulting in the loss of his army and probably his own life (Exodus 14:26–28). BibleRef. (n.d.). Commentary on Exodus 8:30. Retrieved from https://www.bibleref.com/Exodus/8/Exodus-8-30.html
Similarly, the Israelites seemed to adopt this same spirit of defiance. Even after experiencing God's judgment, they remained hardened in heart—showing just how deeply pride had taken root among God’s people (Exodus 32:9; Exodus 33:3).
This serves as a strong warning not to let pride linger unchecked in our hearts (Proverbs 16:18). We must not ignore it or resist the Holy Spirit when He convicts us, but allow Him to search and cleanse us thoroughly (Psalm 139:23–24). Even the smallest trace of pride must be taken seriously and kept under control (Galatians 5:16).
Pride was the very sin that led to Satan’s fall from heaven (Isaiah 14:12–15), and it can keep us from entering the kingdom of God as well (James 4:6). Don’t let pride take root and lead you to a place of spiritual ruin with no way back (Proverbs 29:1).
We’re Not So Different
It’s easy to read Pharaoh’s story and wonder how he could be so blind. But if we’re honest, we are not so different. Pride and stubbornness still plague many of us today.
We often resist God's will because we want what we want, even when it conflicts with what God wants for us (Proverbs 14:12). We convince ourselves that our way is better—until we suffer the consequences.
This prideful mindset has set many people back. It’s delayed growth, blinded us to God—given opportunities, and led to poor decisions that impact key areas of our lives—finances, health, relationships, and even the people God sends to help us fulfill our purpose (Jeremiah 7:24; Isaiah 30:1).
Stubbornness is Dangerous
A stubborn spirit isn’t just a personal flaw—it’s a spiritual hazard. Scripture says stubbornness is as serious as idolatry and rebellion (1 Samuel 15:23). It disconnects us from God's best, and if left unchecked, it can alter the course of our lives in deeply damaging ways.
The Call to Humility
God doesn’t call us to perfection—He calls us to repentance, humility, obedience, and surrender. He invites us to surrender so we can be transformed by His Spirit, and to walk in obedience. True change comes when we lay down our pride and let God lead.
Let Pharaoh’s story be a warning, not just a lesson. Pride may delay your purpose, but humility opens the door to God’s best.
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A call for salvation
When you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, His Spirit becomes one with yours. This is one of the greatest blessings of salvation. You no longer need to go through anyone else to reach God—because you and He are now united.
All you need to do is receive the gift of salvation by repenting of your sins, inviting Jesus into your life, and confessing Him as Lord. This involves acknowledging your sin and need for forgiveness, believing that Jesus died for your sins and rose again, and surrendering your life to Him.
As Romans 10:9 declares, “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” And 1 John 4:15 assures us, “If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God.”
When you take this step, you are saved and welcomed into God’s Kingdom—becoming a member of the family of Christ!
Here's a Prayer that you can pray to get saved:
Jesus, I confess that You are Lord, and I believe in my heart that You died and rose again for my sins. I know that I am a sinner, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I invite You to come into my heart and life, and I receive You as my personal Lord and Savior. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
After this step, pray for guidance to find a ministry where you can grow spiritually, gain knowledge about the kingdom, and begin living the abundant life promised by Jesus.
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