The Subtle Enemy that Lurks Within

Daily Devotional – Saturday, May 31, 2025
A man’s pride will bring him low, but the humble in spirit will retain honor.
Proverbs 29:23 (NKJV)

Pride is one of those subtle enemies of the soul. It creeps in quietly, often dressed as confidence or self-assurance. Scripture, however, warns us that pride leads to a fall: “A man’s pride will bring him low, but the humble in spirit will retain honor.”

A Man’s Pride Will Bring Him Low

In God’s kingdom, the path to greatness is not self-exaltation, but humility. Jesus Himself, though fully God, humbled Himself and took the nature of a servant. His life was marked not by a demand for recognition but by a quiet obedience and deep compassion. In the end, God exalted Him to the highest place.

Pride whispers, “You deserve more,” “You know better,” or “You are above this.” On the other hand, humility bows before God and says, “Your will be done,” “Teach me,” and “Use me however You see fit.” True honor, the kind that lasts, is found not in seeking our own way but in walking faithfully in God’s.

The Subtle Enemy that Lurks Within

Maybe you are in a season where you are tempted to assert yourself, defend your name, or demand respect. However, God sees our hearts and promises that when we humble ourselves, He will elevate us in due time.

Let us pray for hearts that are lowly in spirit, not defeated but surrendered. Because the humble don’t think less of themselves; they think of themselves less and think more of God. Humility is not weakness. It is strength under God’s control. That is how we can defeat the subtle enemy that lurks within.

Prayer
Father, search my heart and remove the subtle enemy called pride. Help me to walk in humility, trusting that You will lift me up in Your perfect time. Let me seek Your honor above my own.