June 11: Pride Before a Fall

Pride doesn’t always look like arrogance. Sometimes it looks like being sure you’ve got this handled.

Proverbs says pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.

Most people know that verse. Fewer notice how sneaky pride can be.

There’s the obvious kind. Thinking you’re better than others. Bragging. Looking down on people. But there’s a quieter kind too. The kind that says, I don’t need to call my sponsor. I’ve been sober long enough. I don’t need meetings like I used to. I can handle being around drinking now. I know what I’m doing.

That kind of pride has led many people back to a drink. Not because they decided to drink, but because they slowly stopped doing the things that kept them sober. They felt strong, so they drifted.

Pride also shows up as never asking for help. As refusing to admit mistakes. As being unable to say, I don’t know. As needing to be right in every conversation. As being offended easily.

Pride is often at the root of other defects. Resentment, for example, usually involves wounded pride. Someone didn’t treat you the way you think you deserve.

Step Six is a good time to be honest about pride. Is it on your list? It’s hard to see in yourself, by definition. Ask your sponsor. Ask someone you trust. They may see it more clearly than you.

The opposite of pride isn’t thinking you’re worthless. It’s humility, seeing yourself accurately. You’re a person who needs God and needs other people. That’s not weakness. That’s reality, and it’s a safe place to stand.

There’s a freedom in letting go of pride. You no longer have to be right all the time. You no longer have to manage how everyone sees you. You can just be honest about where you are, and let God and others help. That’s a lighter way to live.

One thing today

Ask your sponsor or a trusted friend: where do you see pride in me? Listen without arguing. Add whatever they say to your defect list.

A prayer

Lord, pride is hard for me to see in myself. Show me where it’s hiding. Keep me from thinking I’ve got this handled on my own. Give me a humble heart that stays close to You and to others. Amen.

This month’s step: Step Six.

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